“Much of outcomes research is a systematic attempt to exploit what is known and make it better.” Quote by Kevin Kelly
“Both President Kennedy and President Reagan were roundly criticized by parts of the foreign policy establishment that felt they were being weak by engaging our adversaries. So some of it is built into a political lexicon that makes you sound tougher if you don't talk to somebody, and rather, very loudly, wield a big stick.” IfsBigsPoliticalFeltSoundPresidentPolicyBuiltWeakSticksEstablishmentForeign PolicyEngagingAdversariesPresident ReaganLexiconPresident Kennedy Author:Barack Obama
“I think that there is a particular mindset that was on display in the run-up to the Iraq war that continues to this day. Some of the folks who were involved in that decision either don't remember what they said or are entirely unapologetic about the results, but that views the Middle East as a place where force and intimidation will deliver on the security interests that we have, and that it is not possible for us to at least test the possibility of diplomacy.” ThinkingSaidWarRunningRememberForceInterestDecisionResultsViewsMiddleSecurityPossibilityParticularInvolvedTestsFolksIraqMindsetEastThis DayDisplayMiddle EastThey SaidDiplomacyIraq WarIntimidationUnapologetic Author:Barack Obama
“I would say that I have been consistent in my broad view of how American power should be deployed, and the view that we underestimate our power when we restrict it to just our military power. We shortchange our influence and our ability to shape events when that's the only tool we think we have in the toolbox.” ThinkingShouldHas BeensAbilityViewsInfluenceMilitaryEventsShapesToolsConsistentBroadsUnderestimateMilitary PowerToolboxAmerican Power Author:Barack Obama
“The map isn't always the territory, and you have to kind of walk through it to get a feel for it.” FeelsKindWalksMapsTerritory Author:Barack Obama
“I do think that I have a better sense of how military action can result in unintended consequences.” ThinkingActionResultsMilitaryConsequenceUnintended ConsequencesMilitary Action Author:Barack Obama
“If you look at Libya, I was deeply concerned about what would happen after Qaddafi was gone.” IfsLooksHappensGoneConcernedLibya Author:Barack Obama
“Maybe at the same time as I'm more confident today, I'm also more humble.” TodayHumble Author:Barack Obama
“Just because Iran and Syria may recognize Assad's weaknesses doesn't necessarily mean that Assad recognizes his weaknesses.” MayMeanWeaknessIranSyriaAssad Author:Barack Obama