Jim Butcher Quotes

Terrorism and negotiations simply do not go together.

I’m not leaving,” Sam said, his eyes fixed on the boy he was holding. “Not until Disney Princess here apologizes, or his head comes off, one of the two.

Either we're going to solve this by realistic negotiation or there will be blood on the border.

When you negotiate with terrorists, you get more terror.

We've backed off in good faith to try and give you a chance to straighten this problem out. But I am going to beg with you for a minute. I'm going to plead with you, do not cross us. Because if you do, the survivors will write about what we do here for 10,000 years.

The issue of terrorism must be dealt with firmly. We must work very hard to avoid loss of life. We must work very hard to avoid civilian casualties. And those terrorists and Baathists are holding the people of Fallujah hostage. We must release the hostages.

If you aren't please tell me how you are going to not have a war.

It is far easier to make war than peace.

A peace that depends on fear is nothing but a suppressed war.

You either get tired fighting for peace, or you die.

A bad peace is even worse than war.

You can't go to a negotiating table pointing a gun, but you've got to keep it over your shoulder.

I'll keep us out of war with Oklahoma!

You cannot make peace with terrorists. The normal dividing lines between war and peace do not apply.

You can do a lot with diplomacy, but with diplomacy backed up by force you can get a lot more done

I will not comment [to the press] on the negotiations. Every comment produces an hour of recriminations [among the negotiators.]

The approach of danger always lends precision to the diplomatic art.

There’s no reason to respect anyone’s word in that part of the world. The only thing they respect is force and the threat of force.

Come now, and let us reason together or you shall be devoured by the sword.

If talk is impossible, then war is inevitable.

We intend to remain alive. Our neighbors want to see us dead. This is not a question that leaves much room for compromise.

If after negotiations there are still some differences outstanding between us, the differences will be adjusted by arms.

If it's to be a bloodbath, let it be now. Appeasement is not the answer.

How do you deal with a criminal that will not listen to what you have to say and who continues his policy of violence? Some say you continue to talk and let him tire himself out. But nearly 40 years after the institution of apartheid, is there anyone who still believes that verbal persuasion will work?

One cannot negotiate under fire.