“We need a united front against Islamic State and Assad happens to be the decisive power that can fight them. But the situation is preposterous because we also have to respect the calls for change. I would be in favor of a dignified change.”

Many Sunnis joined Islamic State because they felt they were being treated poorly.

Democracy in Iraq will be an example that the Arab population will look to with great interest. And some Arab governments are concerned about democracy in Iraq.

American companies will have a big shot at Iraqi oil.

Do not seek to find a reason why elections are not possible. Seek to make them possible, and they will be possible.

Winning back their trust is the primary task of the new government. That will be difficult, but it is possible.

The Iraqi people are living a long-running tragedy because of the legacy of the old regime, the Americans and their actions that are unsuitable for Iraqi society, and the weakness of national resolve.

The battle against terrorism is not only a military fight but primarily a battle of information.

All Iraqis can unite to defeat terrorism and can unite to rebuild the country.

You know the most important thing the Americans did for Iraq apart from liberating the country from Saddam was helping Iraq reduce its debt.

To handle the economy and services in a country like Iraq requires delegation of authority and the choice of competent people.

Sectarian politics gets votes in Iraq. But sectarian government fails in Iraq.

The Kurds know that they won’t achieve their own state by force of arms but through international recognition. And they have certainly heard what the German foreign minister said in connection with the arms deliveries.

What was said before is not important.

We are not panicking because we know that Islamic State cannot conquer the capital.

We must work very hard to avoid civilian casualties. And those terrorists and Baathists are holding the people of Fallujah hostage. We must release the hostages.

Islamic State is following a clear strategy. First, it wants to solidify its power in Iraq and Syria. Then, their fighters will try to advance to Syria’s Mediterranean coast.