The loss of any innocent life, indeed any life, is tragic,

The loss of any innocent life, indeed any life, is tragic, ... What we must never do is deprive a soldier in harm's way the ability to protect himself and his fellow soldiers.

I know that our recommendations will be based on conditions here in-country. They will not be based on the things that you allude to,

the capabilities of the Iraqi security forces, the capability of the government to support those forces in the field, the state of the insurgency and a whole range of conditions.

There will be very little overall change in the numbers,

There are a lot more Iraqi security forces available to be employed at this time than there were in January of this year,

The problem is that the security mission goes on here. And if we take some out, those that are left are at some risk. It increases their risk,

The problem is, the security mission goes on here and if we take some out, those that are left are at some risk ? it increases their risk, ... Unfortunately, we're not able at this time ? unless someone is known to have a family member wounded or injured or killed ? we're not in a position to make those adjustments.

It is possible, but I have no reason to believe it,

He moves furtively. He has what is known as good trade craft, ... ... It means that he knows how to avoid exposure to being caught. He's very good.