while it's clear the military should do more, initiatives are not a pan aas ia. in the final analysis there's no -- for resources necessary to have the military capability the alliance needs when faced with the security challenge. ultimately nations must be responsible for their fair share of the common defense. so let me conclude with some thoughts about the political context. as you all know, america's serious fiscal situation is now putting pressure on our defense budget. and we are in the process of assessing whether the u.s. can or cannot accept more risk as a result of reducing the size of our military. tough choices lie ahead. they affect every part of our government. and during such times, it will inevitably fall on the cost of overseas commitments, from foreign assistance to military basing and support and guarantees. president obama and i believe that despite the budget pressures, it would be a grave mistake for the u.s. to withdraw on its global responsibilities. and in singapore i outlined where the investment in asia is sthrite grow in the coming yea