I have always admired the Linking Pin theory of management specialist Rensis Likert. It says that in every organization there are leaders who link the lower level to the upper level. What makes somebody an effective link as a leader is that he conveys down everything that above wants and he conveys up everything that below needs.

The United States stands willing to work with a transformed Palestinian Authority with new leaders coming to the front.

Giving back involves a certain amount of giving up.

Surround yourself with people who take their work seriously, but not themselves, those who work hard and play hard.

Politics is not bean bags. It's serious, tough stuff.

Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier.

I think our initiative with respect to education and economic development can work in Saudi Arabia and it is up to the Saudis to decide how they wish to transform their society in order to make it prepared for the challenges of the 21st century.