It's not for nothing that the Iranians are known as rug merchants. They are.

We believe we are creating the beginning of a new world order coming out of the collapse of the US-Soviet antagonisms.

An idea can be as flawless as can be, but its execution will always be full of mistakes.

First of all, I think the Saudis are deeply concerned about the collapse of negotiations between the Israelis and the Palestinians and the resumption of conflict.

Democracy doesn't just consist of holding elections.

America has never seen itself as a national state like all others, but rather as an experiment in human freedom and democracy.

Saddam's ouster will not necessarily lead to the same result, since Iraq lacks democratic traditions. Democracy doesn't just consist of holding elections.

But there is scant evidence to tie Saddam to terrorist organizations, and even less to the Sept. 11 attacks.

It is beyond dispute that Saddam Hussein is a menace.

After all, we didn't bring democracy to Germany in 1945; Hitler destroyed democracy there first.

My point was that removing Saddam should not have been our highest priority. Fighting terrorism should have been our number one concern, followed by the Palestinian peace process.

How impossible it is to forget the stories we tell ourselves, even when the truth should super-cede them.

I make movies that nobody will see. I've made movies that even I have never seen.

Settle one difficulty, and you keep a hundred away.

Many a one cannot loosen his own fetters, but is nevertheless his friend's emancipator.

I want to make every kind of movie that I can make. I don't really care if they're big or small.

Having the opportunity to play a strong woman is a good one.

Keeping a smile on your lips even when you're on the verge of tears. Feeling sorry for those who show their feelings.

Thank God I don't live in Los Angeles. I think if you're there the whole time it just gets out of proportion and you lose touch completely with reality.

Circumstances can be very important. Find the right people to work with.

As knowledge grew, fear decreased; men thought less of worshiping the unknown, and more of overcoming it.