John Kerry

Unprovoked violence against peaceful protesters is unacceptable, whether it's in Syria or Bahrain or Yemen.

We at least give them a fighting chance to oust a dictator with a long, strong history of terrorism.

I am convinced that we have strategic interests at stake.

Over the last 9 days, as we all know, the United States has joined a robust international coalition and in my judgment and the judgment of many has averted a humanitarian catastrophe in Libya and sent a strong message to the region.

Knowing that is often the difference between getting it right or getting it wrong.

I think you will sense her knowledge.

It was good for the Senate, good for all of us involved in Government.

Successful transitions, particularly in Egypt but also in Tunisia, are in many ways the best antidote to the narrative of violent extremists

I have always taken the position, I think Senator Lugar knows this, that it is better to proceed with the authorization and support of Congress if you have the time and if the opportunity provides for it.

What it demonstrates is that through peaceful, nonideological, home-grown movements you can produce what I believe the vast majority of people in that region want

What is at stake in terms of doing everything we can to support successful transitions in places like Egypt and Tunisia, which I think hold enormous opportunities not just for the peoples of those countries, but for the United States.

The hypocrisy for Iran's leaders to profess their enthusiasm for democratic changes in the Arab world while systematically denying them to their own people is clear to all.

We have to remain clear-eyed and resolute about the threat that Iran's leaders pose across a number of areas.

The success of political transitions will require strong, practical economic results and creating a sense of economic hope.

Neither Israel's future as a Jewish democratic state, nor the legitimate aspirations of Palestinians can be secured without a negotiated two-state solution.

The long held conceit of many Arab leaders was that there were really only two political choices, the autocrats you know or the Islamic extremists you fear.

The honest answer, also, is that as much as it is in our long-term interest to support the emergence of more transparent and more responsive governments, who will ultimately make stronger and more stable partners, the short term is likely…

I believe it should first seek a congressional debate on a declaration of war under article I, section 8 of the Constitution.

Violence will not solve the underlying problems of Bahrain, it will in fact most likely make them worse.

The international community cannot simply watch from the sidelines as the Libyan people's quest for democratic reform is met with violence.

Ultimately we want to support the transition to democratic rule in Egypt and Tunisia, as well as these other countries that are still struggling.

We have to push back, in all cases, against a consolidation of power that has bred economic stagnation, corruption, popular dissatisfaction.

I call people's attention to the SEED Act. In 1989 it was signed by President George H.W. Bush.

Clearly the remarkable transition that took place in Egypt, the events of Tahrir Square, that transformation was a victory, above all, for the people of Egypt.

We will continue to intensify efforts to hold Iran accountable for its persistent failure to comply with its obligations under 6 UNSC resolutions and 10 IAEA Board of Governors resolutions.