The ability to work hard for days on end without losing focus is a talent. The ability to keep absorbing new information after many hours of study is a talent.

Without a goal [maneuvering is] aimless. You might be a master tactician, but you'll have no sense of strategy.

Putin recognized that if he could get enough money, everything would be under control.

[Vladimir] Putin spoke unabashedly about the importance of national sovereignty in Syria, a concept apparently near and dear to his heart, unless it comes to the sovereignty of Georgia, Ukraine or any other country in which he intervenes. Then he offered his cooperation, but without making any concrete concessions at all. And he didn't have to, either. He knows what he can rely on. He has assets that are more valuable than words: He has tanks in Ukraine, fighter jets in Syria - and Barack Obama in the White House.

I'm looking forward to the day when my country is saved - and the current winner becomes a loser.

There's the blazing Russian Caucasus, with an ongoing war all against all, which is not to be neglected.

[Vladimir] Putin needs wars to legitimize his position.