There is a convergence of crises that makes it challenging to keep the world's attention.

I tell young people: If you make a job choice on the basis of something other than your nose or your gut, it's unlikely to work out.... It's perilous to look ahead and be like, "I'd like to be ambassador." I would never have gone to Bosnia or spent years writing about genocide. Do it on the basis of what you can learn.... It's like falling in love. Your whole dating life, you're thinking, On the one hand, on the other hand. Then you meet the right guy, and you're not in list-making mode; you're just with the person you're supposed to be with. Jobs are like that too.

If you represent everyone, in some ways you represent no one. You're un-owned.

When it came to the Vietnam War, Mr. McNamara was an early advocate of escalation but came to realize the flaws in the American approach earlier than many of his colleagues. Yet in public, he continued to defend the war.

Being an occupier is not good for anybody's global standing. It is a catalyst for terrorist recruitment.

I think we do have an interest in combating states that try to cross borders and steal parts of other people's country.

First, recognize the mistake. The main thing is taking responsibility and being authentic.