Q: If the Pakistanis do not move decisively into North Waziristan, taking on Haqqani and other militants in that area, can the -- will you be able to deliver -- how much of a setback to your efforts on the Afghan side of the border will that be in the springtime? How important is it for Pakistanis, not just to continue in Bajaur where they are, but move into North Waziristan?

RODRIGUEZ: Well, again, all that has a positive impact on what we're trying to do. And it also leads to the durability of what we have to build on the Afghan side of the border. So we're working together for them to continue the operations, especially against those that threaten the Pakistani state. And together, we think that will move in the right direction.

Q: Can you win without them? If they don't do any more than they're doing now, can you be successful in Afghanistan?

RODRIGUEZ: I think we can, but again, that gets back to the durability that you have to build in the Afghan security forces and the Afghan government. But I think that's doable if it doesn't continue, you know, if it doesn't get significantly worse. [...]

Q: -- but you know, the thrust of the debate in Washington is that Pakistan needs to go to North Waziristan. If I hear you accurately, that's not -- it's not necessary militarily for the United States to win in --

RODRIGUEZ: That's not a mission stopper in my mind. And again, everybody, whether it be the Pakistani leadership, the U.S. leadership or the international leadership, is all focused on that issue now about Pakistan and encouraging them to do more and we are, too.