The UN could help the Iraqi government get on its feet and help the United States withdraw a bit more.

Information technology has politicized the world's population.

The Iraqi elections were an important first step.

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.

The art of diplomacy is to take an opportunity and turn it into something.

It is beyond dispute that Saddam Hussein is a menace.