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Brent Scowcroft Quotes

Former National Security Advisor

Brent Scowcroft is an esteemed American politician who served as the National Security Advisor. Born in March 19, 1925, he had a profound impact on U.S. foreign policy during the Cold War and the post-Cold War era.

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All World States Iraq Thinking Saddam Ifs United United States Want America Dangerous Problem Believe Democracy Firsts Knows Palestinian People Terrorism Allies

Famous Brent Scowcroft Quotes

“To sum up, the position we took was that since we didn't know the internal situation in Iraq nor Saddam Hussein, that our best bet was to take counsel from the people who did know him and who did deal with him.”

People Knows Deals Situation Position Iraq Internals Saddam Hussein

Author:Brent Scowcroft

“If Iraq were to descend into chaos, the Europeans would feel the effects just as much as we would.”

Ifs Feels Effects Chaos Iraq

Author:Brent Scowcroft

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

Results Democracy Tradition Election Democratic Iraq Saddam

Author:Brent Scowcroft

“Many Sunnis, who are still stuck in the Saddam era mindset and believe Iraq belongs to them, are trying to prevent a new country from developing at all.”

Trying Believe Stills Country Iraq Mindset Stuck Developing Eras Saddam

Author:Brent Scowcroft

“Because national borders are eroding, because of the growth of non-state actors. It's a different kind of a world. We are tied down by a tiny little country - Iraq. It's amazing, given the disparity in military economic strength. It's a world where most of the big problems spill over national boundaries, and there are new kinds of actors and we're feeling our way as to how to deal with them.”

“After the '30s, we said, "no more Munichs." And it got us in a lot of problems. Then we said, "No more Vietnams." Now if we say, "No more Iraqs," the next one won't be an Iraq. It will be something different. You can't learn lessons.”

Ifs Said Different Problem Next Lessons Iraq Vietnam The Next One Learning Lessons

Author:Brent Scowcroft

“If you look back at the first Gulf war, the Arabs sent forces, they sent money. So their interests in Iraq are clear, but they're nowhere to be seen now. Why? Because right now, it's dangerous to be seen as supporting the United States.”

Ifs Firsts Looks War States Force Interest United United States Clear Dangerous Right Now Iraq Gulf War

Author:Brent Scowcroft

“But the central point is that any campaign against Iraq, whatever the strategy, cost and risks, is certain to divert us for some indefinite period from our war on terrorism.”

War Certain Risk Periods Cost Strategy Iraq Terrorism Campaigns War On Terror War On Terrorism

Book:America and the World: Conversations on the Future of American Foreign Policy

Source: America and the World: Conversations on the Future of American Foreign Policy

About the Author

Born: March 19, 1925
Known for: Former National Security Advisor
Quotes: 55

Books & Sources

America and the World: Conversations on the Future of American Foreign PolicyRelated source material

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