Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel used the term "complicated" so often on his first trip to Afghanistan that it became an "unofficial mantra on the road," the New York Times reports.
Equally jarring were the caustic criticisms of American and NATO policy from President Hamid Karzai, which were likewise timed to Mr. Hagel’s arrival.
"It’s complicated," Mr. Hagel said when asked about the comments from the Afghan president. [...]
The effort to define the way ahead in Afghanistan will also define Mr. Hagel’s tenure. And his description of relations with Mr. Karzai also described the broader challenges he confronts, whether the war, the budget or relations with Capitol Hill.
"These are complicated issues," he said. "These are not easy issues to deal with."
The Washington Free Beacon has put together some other examples of Hagel's new mantra. Bottom line: It's complicated.
