America has never seen itself as a national state like all others, but rather as an experiment in human freedom and democracy.

I think America has to do more than be a broker now. Because both the Palestinians are weak and Israel is very weak.

The radical elements in Islam are very dangerous.

Yes, Israel's our ally. But, are the Palestinians our enemy? No, they are not.

An idea can be as flawless as can be, but its execution will always be full of mistakes.

We have never recognized that Iran lives in a dangerous neighborhood. And it's not surprising that they want some protection. We have not been forthcoming about explaining a security relationship for the region, in which Iran can feel secure and thus maybe willing to do something.

Because national borders are eroding, because of the growth of non-state actors. It's a different kind of a world. We are tied down by a tiny little country - Iraq. It's amazing, given the disparity in military economic strength. It's a world where most of the big problems spill over national boundaries, and there are new kinds of actors and we're feeling our way as to how to deal with them.