FAO Quotables

"But being right, even morally right, isn't everything. It is also important to be competent, to be consistent, and to be knowledgeable. It's important for your soldiers and diplomats to speak the language of the people you want to influence. It's important to understand the ethnic and tribal divisions of the place you hope to assist."
-Anne Applebaum

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Diplomat's Dictionary Daily Quotable- A

In addition to a poem of the week, I will also begin including a quote of the daily taken from the Diplomat's Dictionary (by Chas W. Freeman, Jr.). 
   Today's quote emphasizes the importance of involvement and really- just being present.  I would add the caveat that perhaps a long term absence would portend a long period of being wrong...thus why we need to engage, why we need to be present not just when crisis arises.

"The absent are always wrong."
-French Proverb

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