The Washington Post wrote on May 21: Adm. Michael Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, yesterday told the Senate Appropriations defense subcommittee that the influence of the Quds Force, a paramilitary arm of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, is risking progress made in Iraq. He said Iraq “remains our No. 1 strategic priority.”

Adm. Mullen said a “stable Iraq and Afghanistan that are long-term partners and share our commitment to peace will be critical to achieving regional stability and security.”

“This will require years, not months,” and “will require the support of the American people, our regional allies and concerted action by the Iraqi and Afghan people and their leaders,” he said.