I just finished reading Hagel's very short and concise 2008 book
America: Our Next Chapter which I got for $3 off eBay. Here are a few passages I found most refreshing:
On meeting former Syrian President Hafez al-Assad -
We talked about Israel and the Golan Heights and Assad said he was for peace but Israel, of course, would have to give up the Golan Heights and East Jerusalem.
On Israeli intervention in south Lebanon -
Extended military action has nearly destroyed Lebanon, killing innocent civilians, gutting its economy and infrastructure and creating a humanitarian disaster within refugee camps whose only governance is chaos and violence.
On the democratic institutions of Iran -
The Majiles passes laws and at times challenges the perceived excesses of executive power. The result is far from perfect by American or European standards of democratic governance, where pluralism and open debate are accepted and even encouraged. But, by regional standards, the complexity and sophistication of Iran's government are undeniable.
On American hypocrisy in demanding the Islamic Republic disarm -
The United States possesses the largest stockpile of nuclear weapons, and our actions must match our admonitions to other countries regarding these destructive devices. Iran will not be deterred from developing nuclear arms only because the United States and the EU say they must - especially if they feel threatened and if the United States, Great Britain, France, and Israel, among others, all retain their nuclear weapons.
On the value of Iranian diplomacy -
Iranians of good will seek to further the relationship between our two nations. Over the years I have made a point to meet occasionally with Iran's permanent representatives to the United Nations - both Ambassador Nejad Hosseinian and Javad Zarif. Both men are accomplished diplomats who represented their country ably at the United Nations.
