We have an orientation that tends to make us think that everything is our responsibility and that we should be doing this. It is the Iraqis' country, 28 million of them. They are perfectly capable of running that country.

It is very difficult to spend "federal (the taxpayers') dollars" so that the intended result is achieved.

I don't do quagmires.

Know that the amount of criticism you receive may correlate somewhat to the amount of publicity you receive.

When you raise issues with the President, try to come away with both that decision and also a precedent. Pose issues so as to evoke broader policy guidance. This can help to answer a range of similar issues likely to arise later.

Visit with your predecessors from previous Administrations. They know the ropes and can help you see around some corners. Try to make original mistakes, rather than needlessly repeating theirs.

It is unknowable how long that conflict [the war in Iraq] will last. It could last six days, six weeks. I doubt six months.