"There was a very consistent creation of a virtual reality, and eventually it collided with our old-fashioned, ordinary reality."

“He's as reliable as a Volvo.”

“I have my detractors in Washington. There are bastards who spread things around, of course, who planted nasty things in the media.”

“Personally, Mr. Blix is amiable and has a sense of humor; politically he is weak and easily fooled. I can think of few European officials less suitable for a showdown with Saddam. Indeed, it is with utter disbelief that I watch television news about Mr. Blix's negotiations with the Iraqi dictator's henchmen. Regardless of how this crisis develops from this point, the United Nations has neglected its duties by asking a wimp to lead the inspectors who are supposed to stand up to the brute of Baghdad.”

“… there are people in this administration who say they don't care if the UN sinks under the East river, and other crude things…”

“I found it peculiar that those who wanted to take military action could — with 100 per cent certainty — know that the weapons existed and turn out to have zero knowledge of where they were.”

“It was to do with information management. The intention was to dramatise it.”