Political Quotes

“having just returned from a trip to Bosnia, I would like to describe my impressions and offer my views on American policy there, if I may. As many of my colleagues will remember, and some would rather not remember, over the last 6 rac{1}{2} years I have been bipartisan in my criticism and my critical statements about our policy toward the states of the former Yugoslavia. I began criticizing the Bush administration early in 1991 and continued to criticize the Clinton administration until September of 1995 when it finally carried out the airstrikes that I had called for 3 years earlier and subsequently lifted the immoral and illegal arms embargo on Bosnia as part of the Dayton accords. Now, Mr. President, for the first time I find myself in general agreement with the direction of American policy. My change of opinion does not, however, reflect either complete satisfaction or complacency. We have reached a very critical point in our policy toward Bosnia, Mr. President, as all of my colleagues know. Resolute American action, combined with allied support and local compliance, can turn the corner. But I respectfully suggest, absent any one of those factors--resolute American action, combined with allied support and local compliance--we will not only not turn the corner; I believe we will return to the genocide and chaos that prevailed 6 years ago.”