Lee H. Hamilton

“U.S. officials and outside experts agree that China is undertaking a comprehensive modernization of its military. The Chinese military has gotten smaller but smarter.”

“For decades the American people have had an addiction to oil and gas.”

“Democracy makes us articulate our views, defend them, and refine them.”

“Our democracy is not a product but a continual process. It is preserved not by monuments but deeds. Sometimes it needs refining; sometimes it needs amending; sometimes it needs defending. Always, it needs improving.”

“The temptations are great to simply retreat to the domain of private life and give up on our public problems.”

“Protecting Americans from nuclear terrorism rises above politics.”

“I can assure you, public service is a stimulating, proud and lively enterprise. It is not just a way of life, it is a way to live fully.”

“When you're talking with a person at this level of the government, at the very highest level, I think you have to be very discreet because he, President Clinton, is very aware that anything he says publicly can have a profound impact on American politics and on world politics.”

“We cannot do everything in Africa, but doing nothing is not an option.”

“We should insist that governments receiving American aid live up to standards of accountability and transparency, and we should support countries that embrace market reforms, democracy, and the rule of law.”

“Now the difficulty with those warnings is that they were not specific.”

“Putting together a counter- terrorism policy, it's very easy to look at law enforcement or defense, military action or stopping the money flows or whatever, but the really difficult part is integrating all aspects of the policy, and I think she put a lot of emphasis on that.”

“The U.S has acquired reservoirs of goodwill around the globe over many years. But it is clear - from polling data and ample anecdotal evidence - that America is losing its allure in much of the world.”

“Addressing global resentment cannot be put off. If we do not learn to use our predominant power with great restraint, we will antagonize the world.”

“China's ability to deliver nuclear warheads on American cities is expanding.”

“Events often move faster than our ability to comprehend them.”

“But despite this breathtaking pace, I believe in the capacity of our democracy to meet these challenges.”

“You'll remember Dr. Rice said that several times: It was not a warning about the place and the method and the time - it was a general warning. And that points out the imperfection, if you would, of our intelligence.”

“Aid can work where there is good governance, and usually fails where governments are unable or unwilling to commit aid to improve the lives of their people.”

“President George W. Bush is the first American president to call openly for two-states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security.”