Every civilization sees itself as the center of the world and writes its history as the central drama of human history.

In the 19th century it was basically nationality and people trying to define their nationalism and create states which would reflect their nationalism. In the 20th century, ideology came to the fore, largely, but not exclusively, as a result of the Russian Revolution and we have fascism, communism and liberal democracy competing with each other. Well that's pretty much over.

Power remains strong when it remains in the dark; exposed to the sunlight it begins to evaporate.

I think it's hard to talk about the Muslim world and Christian world as blocks.

I think clearly the United States, as well as other western nations, should stand by their commitments to human rights and democracy and should try to influence other countries to move in that direction.

When I think of countries that I enjoyed visiting, that I would want to go back to, Italy would be one, Japan would be another. I've only been to Indonesia once or twice and it seems like such a fascinating country. I guess India certainly.

Maybe Iraq will come back and become the dominant power among Arab countries. That seems to me as conceivable.