The Syrian rebels, weakened by infighting, have also been victims of the growing rift between the U.S. and its closest Arab allies.

I still believe that Mr. Assad is a strong and reliable leader, ... He is the Syrian leader with whom a comprehensive peace could be started.

The Islamization process in Arab countries is very disturbing.

There is a perception across the Middle East that America is weakened. I believe the perception is wrong. The United States remains the world's mightiest military, economic and diplomatic power by far, with reach and abilities beyond rival.

There is a thin line between peace of the brave and peace of the hostage... between compromise - even calculated risk - and irresponsibility and capitulation.

I delivered lectures, and I was also a consultant for international companies in finance, both private equity and big venture capital funds.