ADVERTISEMENT

New US national security advisor, in his own words

Here are some of the most notable quotes from the arch conservative who is replacing General H.R. McMaster:

North Korea

"It is perfectly legitimate for the United States to respond to the current 'necessity' posed by North Korea's nuclear weapons by striking first."

- February 28, 2018 op-ed in The Wall Street Journal

ADVERTISEMENT

"We have a very limited amount of time left before #NorthKorea gains deliverable nuclear weapons. We've got to look at the very unattractive choice of using military force to deny them that capability."

- January 10, 2018 tweet on @AmbJohnBolton

Iran

"The inescapable conclusion is that Iran will not negotiate away its nuclear program. Nor will sanctions block its building a broad and deep weapons infrastructure. The inconvenient truth is that only military action ... can accomplish what is required. Such action should be combined with vigorous American support for Iran's opposition, aimed at regime change in Tehran."

- March 26, 2015 op-ed piece in The New York Times

ADVERTISEMENT

The Iraq War

"I still think the decision to overthrow Saddam was correct ... The people who say, 'Oh things would have been much better if you didn't overthrow Saddam' miss the point that today's Middle East does not flow totally and unchangeably from the decision to overthrow Saddam alone."

- Interview with the Washington Examiner published May 14, 2015

Russia

"There needs to be a strategic response to Russia's new nuclear missiles to show our allies in Europe that we will not let #Russia push the U.S. or its allies around."

ADVERTISEMENT

- March 2, 2018 tweet on @AmbJohnBolton

"Sanctions on Putin and his inner circle are symbolic but ultimately not effective. If you want to punish a country for behavior you don't accept, you need punishing sanctions that are broad, not targeted, and they need to be enforced."

- March 5, 2018 tweet on @AmbJohnBolton

United Nations

"There is no United Nations. There is an international community that occasionally can be led by the only real power left in the world and that's the United States, when it suits our interests and when we can get others to go along ... The Secretariat Building in New York has 38 stories. If you lost 10 stories today, it wouldn't make a bit of difference. The United Nations is one of the most inefficient inter-governmantal organizations going."

ADVERTISEMENT

- February 3, 1994 speech in New York

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

Lagos postpones eagerly anticipated Easter boat regatta indefinitely

Lagos postpones eagerly anticipated Easter boat regatta indefinitely

Third Mainland Bridge reopens in 1 week, formal ceremony later - Minister

Third Mainland Bridge reopens in 1 week, formal ceremony later - Minister

Sanwo-Olu opens 'Sunday market' on Good Friday for Easter shopping

Sanwo-Olu opens 'Sunday market' on Good Friday for Easter shopping

Wike thanks Tinubu for the opportunity to serve

Wike thanks Tinubu for the opportunity to serve

Barrister Bida pens special birthday prayer for President Tinubu, Nigerians

Barrister Bida pens special birthday prayer for President Tinubu, Nigerians

Tinubu’s aide distributes food items to 1,750 persons in FCT, Kwara

Tinubu’s aide distributes food items to 1,750 persons in FCT, Kwara

Court grants senator accused of forging NYSC certificate ₦50m bail

Court grants senator accused of forging NYSC certificate ₦50m bail

Delta monarch declared wanted by military surrenders to police

Delta monarch declared wanted by military surrenders to police

Renowned Canada-based Nigerian playwright, Oguntokun is dead

Renowned Canada-based Nigerian playwright, Oguntokun is dead

Pulse Sports

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT