Ben Rhodes : (6)

" For many Americans, ‘Vietnam’ is a word associated with war and the extraordinarily complex history between our countries. But since normalization began, the U.S. and Vietnam have steadily built bonds of partnership, demonstrating that we can recognize history without being imprisoned by it. " - Ben Rhodes

" A critical part of our relationship with Laos involves addressing the legacy of war. " - Ben Rhodes

" In China, you just don’t have the space for civil society and independent discourse and free media that you do in India. That’s why India’s success is so important as the world’s largest democracy. " - Ben Rhodes

" Japan hosts more forward-deployed U.S. troops than any other country and serves as home port for our only forward-deployed aircraft carrier. In 2011, when a tsunami devastated Japan and created the disaster at the Fukushima nuclear facility, the United States stood shoulder-to-shoulder with our Japanese allies to respond and rebuild. " - Ben Rhodes

" Where civil society is welcomed, communities are more safe, more secure, and more prosperous. " - Ben Rhodes

" I think one of the critiques of me is that I thought I knew it all. But I was learning from the enormous resources available within the U.S. government who have a very different view of the world than many of the people commenting on foreign policy from outside of the government. " - Ben Rhodes