“It’s very important that the Turks make this operation as short as possible and then

“It’s very important that the Turks make this operation as short as possible and then leave. They have to be mindful of Iraqi sovereignty. I measure quick in terms of days, a week or two, something like that, not months.”

Robert Gates

U.S. defense secretary, urging Turkish troops to leave Iraq.

“Our concern right now is to see that justice is done, to get to the bottom of it and our concern is for the girl and her family. We really, really deeply regret it.”

Condoleezza Rice

U.S. secretary of state, saying she hopes the alleged rape of a Japanese teenager by a Marine on Okinawa will not harm U.S.-Japan ties.