So said Obama: quotes that remember the outgoing president
About Russia
"America has many challenges. Russia is a regional power that, not out of force, but out of weakness, threatens some of its close neighbors" (2014).
“Last year, when we and our allies worked hard to impose sanctions, some assumed that Mr Putin’s aggression was an example of masterful strategy and strength. But today America is strong and united with our allies, while Russia is isolated and its economy is in tatters "(2015).
"They (Russia) are smaller, they are weaker (than the USA - ed.). Their economy does not produce anything they would like to buy (other countries), except for oil, gas and weapons"(2016).
About Vladimir Putin
"During all our meetings, Putin is immaculately polite, very frank. Our meetings are held in an exclusively business manner. He never makes me wait, like many others" (2016).
"Usually our meetings with Putin are held in an open, honest, businesslike tone" (2016).
About the world economy
"America should dictate the rules of the world economy. Other countries should play according to the rules established by America and its partners" (2015).
"When 95% of our potential buyers live abroad (outside the US), we have to be sure that we write the rules for the global economy, not countries like China" (2015).
American exclusivity
“Some may disagree, but I believe America is exceptional” (2013).
About terrorism
The Islamic State (IG, organization banned in Russia) is the direct heir to Al-Qaida in Iraq, which grew out of our invasion of this country "(2015, Vice News interview).
“The ability of the ISIS to organize large ground offensives was not on the screen of my reconnaissance radar” (2016).
About international intervention
"Some states may turn a blind eye to the atrocities taking place in other countries. However, the United States is not like that" (on the invasion of Libya, 2011).
"We cannot try to seize and rebuild any country that is in crisis. This is not leadership, it is a guarantee that we are bogged down, we will shed American blood and spend money, which ultimately weakens us. In this lies the lesson of Vietnam, Iraq - and it would be time for us to learn it until now "(2016).
About my biggest mistake
“Perhaps this is a failure to create a plan the day after the invasion of Libya, which at that time seemed to me the right decision” (2016).
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