We in the press, by our power, can actually undermine leadership.

I have spent the past ten years in just about every war zone there was.

And one thing that I always believed and that I knew for certain was that I could never have sustained a personal relationship while I worked this hard, or while I was that driven this intensely by the story.

But 17 years ago, I arrived at CNN with a suitcase, with my bicycle, and with about 100 dollars.

Im not an American but I have always had the outsiders respect for the American people and the American way.

There are some situations one simply cannot be neutral about, because when you are neutral you are an accomplice. Objectivity doesn't mean treating all sides equally. It means giving each side a hearing.

I leave CNN with the utmost respect, love and admiration for the company and everyone who works here. This has been my family and shared endeavor for the past 27 years, and I am forever grateful and proud of all that we have accomplished.