There are a few ironclad rules of diplomancy but to one there is no exception. When an official reports that talks were useful, it can safely be concluded that nothing was accomplished. – John Kenneth Galbraith

When a diplomat says yes he means perhaps; when he says perhaps he means no; when he says no he is no diplomat. – Author Unknown

We are the greatest power in the world. If we behave like it. – Walt W. Rostow

There is, in world affairs, a steady course to be followed between an assertion of strength that is truculent and a confession of helplessness that is cowardly. – Dwight D Eisenhower