Quotes of the Day

"People are losing context. I think there's a rush to judgment, frankly, that - that loses sight of the fact we are still in the middle of getting all the right components in- into place and giving us a little time to have this - have this work."

"We clearly understand that in July of 2011, we begin to draw down our forces. The pace with which we draw down and how many we draw down is going to be conditions-based."

- US Defense Secretary Robert Gates, continuing to defend "progress in Afghanistan"

The July 11th (sic) date as stated by the president is not moving. That's not changing. Everybody agreed on that date... The goal is to take this opportunity to focus to begin the reduction of our troops."

- White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel, naming Gen. David Petraeus, Defense Secretary Robert Gates and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Adm. Mike Mullen

"I think the president is going to have to redefine the plan, and when the proper time comes for that, he will have to make a decision."

- US Senator Richard Lugar