In the past, most wars were motivated by the idea of nationhood. Today, however, wars are incited above all using religion as an excuse.

I do not know anybody that is threatening Iran. It is a safe country.

The uprising in Egypt was initiated by the young generation. The uprising achieved two things. One is it made the lives of dictators impossible. Today, if you are looking for a safe job, don't become a dictator.

Why cross and ocean when you can cross a river? Why should we sail to Washington when we can meet right away 10 miles from here?

One of the things the United States does well is building coalitions. What the U.S. knows is that if you don't have a coalition with you, you will have a coalition against you. I don't want to see China and Russia on the side of Iran more strongly than they are.

The older generation had greater respect for land than science. But we live in an age when science, more than soil, has become the provider of growth and abundance. Living just on the land creates loneliness in an age of globality.

I am leaving the office but am not leaving the battle for peace.