 " With Amrullah Saleh , the Afghan people have lost a huge treasure of commitment , awareness and experience in this struggle against terrorism , Al Qaeda and the ISI . I can ’ t think of anyone who will be able to even slightly fill the vacuum that he leaves behind . Besides being a highly efficient chief at the N.D.S. , he is a man of knowledge and research with an incredible memory and intellect . When he analyzed issues at international meetings , he exhibited tremendous ability at logical reasoning . He was head and shoulder above others . ... I had many differences in arguments with him , but I always saw his presence at the N.D.S. as a huge advantage to this country and this government . Despite my high respects for the president 's decisions , I am extremely mournful about Saleh 's departure . Extremely mournful . " 
