You're suggesting that reconstruction and security are mutually exclusive. I don't agree with you there; I think that they are quite complementary. Our conceptualization of the mission is based on the complementary nature of reconstruction, capacity building and security. We are servicemen and women, soldiers; that's what we do. Of course we have a focus on security, but not security for security's sake, nor to wipe out the Taliban, but rather, to support the Afghan government and authorities.
On November 8th, 2006. See this statement in context.