Ashraf Ghani Quotes

Clinton saw himself much more as the steward of alliances and of consensus that moved in the right direction. He didn't see himself as someone who could change the overall thrust, I think, of global policy.

Give me the whole world to run and then I'll be happy. If tomorrow I was told I had to sort out the whole world's problems I'd sleep like a baby.

We have generals working on worst-case scenarios; we need statesmen on best cases.

There is no way that any major international problem anywhere in the world can be solved efficiently with the United States sitting on the sideline.

Foreign policy is about the execution of ideas as much as their formulation.

Like Lyndon Johnson, President Obama understands that timidity in a time of troubles is a prescription for failure.

I think George Mitchell is a consummate professional. He is the ideal selection to handle the job of special envoy if you choose to have a special envoy.

The U.N. is one of many competitors in a marketplace of global problem solving.

The world cannot be governed without juggling.

Most foreign policies that history has marked highly, in whatever country, have been originated by leaders who were opposed by experts.

In a world of complex threats, our security and leadership depends on all elements of our power - including strong and principled diplomacy.

There is no international problem that can be addressed or solved without the engagement and leadership of the United States and everybody in the world knows that, its just fact of life. So sometimes I think we could conduct ourselves with a little more humility.

There are nearly 200 countries and a population of over 6 billion in today's world. International affairs should be addressed by all countries through consultations rather than monopolised by a few powers.

The U.N. can be very frustrating and at times impotent, but it can also be a valuable forum for discussion and resolution of world problems. We should not walk away from it just because it's failed to live up to its promise.

During the past few years I have led a sometimes hard battle for German foreign policy.

Richard Holbrooke is known for many things, but I will remember him as an impressive, sometimes even intimidating diplomat who understood the value of culture in diplomacy.

I was disappointed not to be able to interview Mr. Clinton. I met him two years ago. I was looking forward to talking with him about issues from Africa to terrorism.

I don't know that there is much the United States can do except work with the international community.

When the world lacks muscular and wise American leadership, it devolves into total chaos, which, in turn, produces unspeakable evils.

Of course what is talked about in the U.N. General Assembly is very important. Officials, the leaders of nations, appear there to speak of the most important topics - what they perceive to be the most important topics.

Fortunately, President Kennedy and Robert Kennedy disagreed with the estimate and chose a course of action less ambitious and aggressive than recommended by their advisers.

So with the end of the Cold War, it became increasingly obvious that there was no basis upon which any decision was being made, not in the White House, and certainly because of that, not in the Congress.

As leaders, we need to rise above petty politics and lead, rather than follow, the various interests and pressure groups in our respective countries.

Harvard makes mistakes too, you know. Kissinger taught there.

I think if you're going to master policy, especially world affairs, you've got to know history.