Zalmay Khalilzad War Quotations

Everything that needs to be done must be done to avoid a civil war, and I think they are keenly aware of the danger.

This decision, the formation of a government of national unity is extremely important. If they (Iraqi leaders) make the right decision forming a national unity government -- competent ministers, good process with a good program governing from the center -- it will put Iraq on the right trajectory; it will be a major step forward for Iraq.

During the Cold War era, the issue was the containment of Soviet influence, and we tolerated many an authoritarian regime as long as they were useful to us in this respect.

We're dealing with such enormous problems today that we have no other choice but to work together. If Iraq fails, if a religious civil war breaks out and the neighboring states are drawn into this conflict, if the Kurds declare independence and al-Qaida takes over an entire province - that's when the consequences will be dramatic.

The terrorists want civil war. Al-Qaida is attacking Shiites. The Shiite militias are taking revenge on the Sunnis. And the Sunnis are become more extremist, with some joining al-Qaida.

Everyone believes that the prospect for a civil war has diminished significantly over the past several days. All the mainstream leaders of Iraq believe that civil war must be avoided. It's very positive that they are all saying it.