Alaska itself is an unusual state.

The great drama of Russian history has been between its state and society. Put simply, Russia has always had too much state and not enough society.

There is no way to turn off this global economy, nor should one try. Every previous expansion of global capitalism has led to greater prosperity across the world.

I don't want to paint a picture of total gloom and doom.

One of the things that has been very difficult in Libya is the sense of uncertainty - the sense that they haven't actually finished the revolution, that there was still a great deal of uncertainty. That uncertainty has made Libya harder for business in terms of oil and other things as well.

I am an American, not by accident of birth but by choice. I voted with my feet and became an American because I love this country and think it is exceptional.

The situation in Syria is quite different from Libya.