Stephen Kinzer

“Mayors of New York are almost automatically national figures.”

“Iran's most formidable modern leader, Reza Shah Pahlavi, was obsessed with the idea of building a steel mill, but in 1941, soon after he assembled all the components, Allied armies invaded Iran, and the project had to be abandoned.”

“The fundamentals of what journalism is about don't necessarily change. What will change is the delivery of news.”

“Not all eagles can be trained, but those who take to life with a master display intense loyalty. Although they are not tethered, they always return after killing their prey.”

“'Operation Ajax' presents history in an entirely new way. It takes a true story and uses cutting-edge technology, never before used in this way, to bring it to spectacular life.”

“One day, Mexico will have a leader who is nationalist not simply in rhetoric, but also in fact.”

“One of the most perplexing political questions of the late 20th century is how new democracies should punish deposed dictators and their associates. Victims cry for justice, but leaders of new regimes must decide to what extent it is possible, moral or prudent to pursue evildoers of the past.”

“Many Afghan intellectuals in the United States believe that their country is best kept together. They are encouraged by the fact that no leading tribal or political figure there has called for secession.”

“Iranians launched their constitutional revolution in 1906 and established their parliament soon afterward.”

“Because Iran understands Afghanistan far better than Americans do, making Iran a partner in a long-term effort to transform Afghan agriculture makes sense.”

“After World War II, the winds of nationalism and anti-colonialism blew through the developing world.”

“Turks have long admired the sultan, Mehmet II, for his military triumphs, especially his capture of Constantinople, now known as Istanbul, in 1453.”

“Relationships based on deals between leaders or ruling elites tend to collapse amid popular anger.”

“Archaeologists have made discoveries that challenge fundamental traditions of Judaism as well as those of Christianity and Islam.”

“In fairness, Latin America's elected civilian leaders have made progress in some areas. They have brought their countries back to international respectability, curbed flagrant human rights violations, and sought to build democratic political institutions.”

“Many troubled Midwestern towns are grasping for ways to fend off decline and, in some cases, extinction.”

“Sultan Beyazid considered his father's art collection decadent and ordered it sold at auction.”

“Chechens are Muslim, and some share the belief that the West is engaged in a global campaign against Islam.”

“As long as Iran believes that its security will be increased by having a nuclear program, it's going to pursue its program.”

“Because Iranians have had to fight so long and painfully for political freedom, they have a deep appreciation for its value - perhaps deeper than many in the West who take their electoral rights for granted.”