Who is the guarantor, if there is one, of a more stable world? It's the United States.

Progress is only possible if the United States and its allies work together.

But there is scant evidence to tie Saddam to terrorist organizations, and even less to the Sept. 11 attacks.

America is stronger than any state probably since the Roman Empire. But we can't do what used to be done with that kind of strength.

Saddam's ouster will not necessarily lead to the same result, since Iraq lacks democratic traditions. Democracy doesn't just consist of holding elections.

I don't think the Chinese look out at the world and want to overturn the system.

Perhaps the most troubling area in the world goes from the Balkans through the Middle East and in Central Asia.