i think that the voice of the people expressed in the loya jirga was able to the taliban.when it supported a strategic partnership, which will ultimately come into effect within weeks, another blow to the taliban that will set up the conference, the summit of the heads of state of the 15 nations of isaf and chicago in may, when they register their unequivocal support for afghanistan, not just in 2014, but in the years that follow, that will be another blow to the taliban and a signal that the united -- international community desires peace and stability. it is not as good just good for the afghan people, not just supported of the government, but also good for the region and iraq. the ground is just different. it is different in afghanistan now. these tragedies recently notwithstanding, which have, in fact, updated the issue. i believe that the president, president karzai and his government still remain committed to a strategic partnership. we will pursue that. i hope i answered questions. >> let me ask you. you testified that iran is playing a role in the counter insurgenc