Don't necessarily avoid sharp edges. Occasionally they are necessary to leadership.

The coalition did not act in Iraq because we had discovered dramatic new evidence of Iraq's pursuit. We acted because we saw the evidence in a dramatic new light - through the prism of our experience on 9/11.

You're thinking of Europe as Germany and France. I don't. I think that's old Europe. If you look at the entire NATO Europe today, the center of gravity is shifting to the east. And there are a lot of new members. And if you just take the list of all the members of NATO and all of those who have been invited in recently -- what is it? Twenty-six, something like that? -- you're right. Germany has been a problem, and France has been a problem.

We do have a saying in America: if you're in a hole, stop digging ..... erm, I'm not sure I should have said that.

You go to war with the army you have, not the army you might want or wish to have at a later time.

Imagine, a September 11 with weapons of mass destruction. It's not 3,000. It's tens of thousands of innocent men, women and children.

Enjoy your time in public service. It may well be one of the most interesting and challenging times of your life.