and should be an equal partner this process in a way that respects pakistan sovereignty, interests and democratic institutions. in pursuit after durable peace, america has no designs beyond and end to al qaeda safe havens and respect for afghan sovereignty. as we move forward, some people will ask, why we need a firm time line. the answer's clear. our goal is not to build a country in america's image, or to eradicate every vestige of the taliban, these objectives would require many more years, many more dollars, most importantly, many more american lives. our goal is to destroy al qaeda and we are on a path to do exactly that. afghans want to assert their sovereignty and build peace. others ask, why don't we leave