If I look at the really important questions in [Middle East] region, I see Iran, where there is a strong desire for a freer society and where people are repressed by a small group of ayatollahs. I see Syria, where we can see a similar desire of the people to be free. These two countries fund Hezbollah and other terrorist organizations and are hurting our efforts in Afghanistan and have been extremely harmful in Iraq. Then I also see large, important countries such as Egypt and Saudi Arabia.

Never assume the other fellow will not do something you wouldn't do.

America is not what's wrong with the world.

Test ideas in the marketplace. You learn from hearing a range of perspectives. Consultation helps engender the support decisions need to be successfully implemented.

If the staff lacks policy guidance against which to test decisions, their decisions will be random.

Prune - prune businesses, products, activities, people. Do it annually.

In politics, every day is filled with numerous opportunities for serious error. Enjoy it.