Quotes of the week

They said what?!?  

Our republic will bolster its war deterrent for self-defense in every way, by all means and methods, now that the situation has reached the worst phase due to the extremely hostile act of the US.

North Korean foreign ministry spokesman

This is the 27th attack in 18 days. Our forces are coming under attack from a hospital. It appears it is a deliberate attempt to draw us into firing back at the hospital.

Drew Gibson, British military spokesman, on the worsening situation in Afghanistan

We are securing commercial vessels and pre-positioning them off the coast of Lebanon.

Peter MacKay, Canadian minister of foreign affairs

Nothing will deter us, whatever far-reaching ramifications regarding our relations on the northern border and in the region may be.

Ehud Olmert, Israel prime minister

The side that wishes to protect civilians may end up hurting civilians sometimes . . . as Israel is obliged to do in Lebanon.

George Jonas, National Post columnist

I don’t think anyone really believes that this is just about Hezbollah and Israel. We are very worried about the influence of both Syria and Iran.

Tony Blair, Prime minister of the United Kingdon

In this atmosphere, no military officer and no civilian decision-maker can even think about restraint.

Ha’aretz newspaper in Israel

Unless we see evidence that Israel is exercising its right to self-defence in a reckless or inhumane fashion [doing little except exercising whatever moral and diplomatic influence we have] should remain Canada’s position.

National Post editorial

We’re standing with all responsible parties in the region and with moderate parties in the region who want a Middle East that is different than the 30-plus yeas of—really 60-plus years of—Middle East history.

Condolleezza Rice, US Secretary of State

Regime change in Iraq would bring about a number of benefits for the region. . . . Extremists in the region would have to rethink their strategy of jihad. Moderates throughout the region would take heart. And our ability to advance the Israeli-Palestinian peace process would be enhanced.

Dick Cheney, US vice-president, August 26, 2002