The Iranian diplomat told delegates that illicit drugs represent a serious peril to the security and stability of not only Afghanistan, but the entire region,adding that no country can fight the phenomenon alone.

VOA: standard.2009.03.27

"It needs to be fully vetted, and when it is then we'll determine a number that makes sense for the security and stability of Afghanistan, that the Afghan government and its people can sustain with the assistance of coalition partners,".

VOA: standard.2009.03.31

"We appreciate the sacrifices of German soldiers in Afghanistan, and our common work there to bring peace and stability to Afghanistan, and to create the environment in which the Afghan people themselves can provide for their own security,"

VOA: standard.2009.11.03

"I define success as the ability to empower and transfer responsibility to Afghans as rapidly as possible, and achieve a sufficient level of stability to ensure that we can leave behind an Afghanistan that is not controlled by al-Qaida or the Taliban,".

VOA: standard.2009.10.26

But at the same time,Admiral Mullen, who is Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, expressed confidence that with a solid Afghan partner, an increase in U.S.forces can bring a measure of security and stability to Afghanistan within a few years, as the 2007/2008 "surge" helped provide an opportunity for Iraq to move forward in a more secure environment.

VOA: standard.2009.11.04