in afghanistan. we're going to have to try to keep a close watch to make sure that al qaeda doesn't reconstitute itself there. and that we take action against isis k -- um -- and make sure that it doesn't pose a growing threat to us. that's more difficult to do -- um -- when you don't have those troops on the ground. but of course, when we did have the troops on the ground, they were targets and we were risking american lives in that fashion, too. so not a bright line here but i think the drawdown is the right decision. and we're just going to have to really strengthen our intelligence-gathering capability from other places. >> yeah. look, we appreciate having our leaders on to speak directly to the american people but especially someone in a position like you and the committees that you are on, giving our viewers the knowledge that they need this evening. thank you so much. please come back. we appreciate it. >> thanks, will do. >> thank you. with just about a week left until the president's deadline to get out, is the white house getting a better handle on the crisis in afghanistan?