"The fact that there were discreet channels of communication established with Iran in 2012 is something that we confirmed publicly. However, we did not have any serious prospect of reaching a nuclear deal until after the election of Hassan Rouhani in 2013. Yes, we had discussions with the Iranians before that, but they did not get anywhere."
Ben RhodesTiny Panda Quotes
Quotes by Ben Rhodes
Ben Rhodes is a prominent American political advisor and author, known for his influential role as Deputy National Security Advisor for Strategic Communications under President Barack Obama. Born on November 14, 1977, in New York City, Rhodes crafted some of the most significant foreign policy narratives of the Obama administration, including the historic Iran nuclear deal. Beyond politics, he is a prolific writer, sharing insights on democracy and diplomacy, and his memoir, "The World As It Is," provides a candid glimpse into his experiences shaping modern diplomacy.
9 quotes found
"All over the world, independent and strong civil society - NGOs, faith leaders, and other community advocates - help governments solve problems and better serve their people better by shining a light on the issues that matter most - like education standards, access to healthcare, the rule of law, and economic opportunity."
Ben Rhodes"Jose Marti, known as 'the Apostle of Cuban Independence,' was an influential poet, journalist, and political theorist who became a symbol for the Cuban people's bid for independence. The concepts of freedom, liberty, and self-determination feature prominently in his work."
Ben Rhodes
"By heralding President Xi Jinping's accession to permanent leadership, soliciting Vladimir Putin's reentry into the Group of Seven, and declaring that Kim Jong Un is 'beloved by his people,' Trump legitimizes the very behavior that U.S. presidents opposed for decades."
Ben Rhodes
"Where civil society is welcomed, communities are more safe, more secure, and more prosperous."
Ben Rhodes
"Our basic assessment was that if America keeps going down these rabbit holes in the Middle East, we're just going to put ourselves out of business as the world leader because we're just draining resources and diplomatic bandwidth, and we're not producing outcomes."
Ben Rhodes
"Following one of the most violent conflicts in human history, the United States and Japan built a deep and abiding friendship - an alliance that has underwritten unprecedented economic growth and security in the Asia Pacific for half a century. It is an alliance based on mutual interests and shared values and the ties between our people."
Ben Rhodes"One of the things you learn in government is there's a long tail to American decision-making when it comes to foreign policy. Moving the embassy to Jerusalem, pulling out of the Iran deal, pulling out of Paris, not speaking up for democratic values - the world doesn't end the next day."
Ben Rhodes
"Americans will forever be proud of the brave men and women of our armed forces who served in World War II, and we will never forget those who paid the last full measure of devotion for our country. Their service protected our freedom and changed the course of history around the world."
Ben Rhodes