Quotes by Michael McFaul

“Ive always been against having the State Department promote civil society directly in other countries,”

“That is we are not moving in an antagonistic way. Our presidents definitely have a genuine, personal relationship that they both think is important and vital to their respective countries. But they are not looking to do anything new or creative, to try to make U.S.-Russian relations better or more comprehensive.”

“[But to others, Rices testimony served as an effective response to recent criticism — and will probably help ease some of the controversy.] I dont think the Bush administration could have been better served, ... This was a brilliant performance — and I say this as a critic of the Bush administration on a lot of things.”

“There are lots of rumors, ... What he really needs to do is fundamentally change his government. ... Theres a lot of stagnation. ... Im not so optimistic Yeltsins going to do that.”

“There are lots of rumors. What he really needs to do is fundamentally change his government. ... Theres a lot of stagnation. ... Im not so optimistic Yeltsins going to do that.”

“I dont think the Bush administration could have been better served. This was a brilliant performance — and I say this as a critic of the Bush administration on a lot of things.”

“In the short run, the big windfall winners ... have been the Islamists.”

“This is a very good idea, but all these efforts face the same problem. In working with their potential colleagues in Iran, will they get them into trouble? Once they participate in a training program, what happens to them back in their country?”