The most stupid mistake a counter-insurgency operation can make is alienating the population. If you alienate the population, you're finished.

Spending one hour with Isaias is far more worthwhile, rewarding and enlightening than reading ten books

As we respond to the assault of our enemy and defend our country, we must never break international laws. Crime can not be solved by more crime.

Africa's downfall has always been the cult of the personality. And their names always seem to begin with M. We've had Mobutu and Mengistu and I'm not going to add Meles to the list.

I know more now than I did in the past about the process of democratization. I know more about the pitfalls.

Of course everybodys thinking evolves over time.

If it is presumed that the Kenyans will democratise in order to eat the peanuts of development assistance from the European Union... it would be a big mistake.

An oversupply of national sentiment is not the problem in Somalia. The problem is a lack of it. The problem is an oversupply of sub-sub-clannish attitude.

Of course everybody's thinking evolves over time. Only dead people cease learning, and I am not certified dead yet. So I am still learning.

The essential truth of life, he was coming to realize, wasn't romantic an took only two words to label: Shit. Happens.

It's all about long-term, sustaining relationships.

I feel a responsibility to my backyard. I want it to be taken care of and protected.

A woman likes a strong, silent man because she thinks he is listening.

All things being equal, letting people make decisions for themselves will produce smarter outcomes, collectively, than relying on government planners.

I like to know for whom I'm writing - it makes the composition easier to do.

Decide which you want to play up: your clothing or your jewelry, but not both. Let one be the star and one the supporting player.

As long as I can run fast, track will always be an option. But right now I'm focused on football because the NFL is knocking on my door and I'm not going to slam it in its face.

It was just perfect, just right all at once.

Music is the eye of the ear.