We are not dictating. We are not telling them [Saudi Arabia] how they should do it or who they should look like. We are their friends. We have mutual interests and we will help them in any way that is possible.

Time is passing, ... We have to look at the reality of the situation and ... redouble our efforts and get on with it.

You can't get it all done yourself. The best leaders are not afraid of picking people who are better than they are and who may one day replace them.

Endeavors succeed or fail because of the people involved.

There is no question about the fact that we had very serious disagreements with my German, French, and Russian colleagues over the Iraq war. But I never stopped talking.

Don't let your ego get too close to your position, so that if your position gets shot down, your ego doesn't go with it.

Sometimes what my analytical mind says to me is not what I'll do.