"Against the backdrop of the catastrophic failure of the American engagement in Iraq, which is probably the most expensive state-building effort in history, we can hope to meet more understanding in the public at large, in the media and also among foreign and finance ministers when presenting them with a realistic picture of the efforts and resources needed for even a modest success. And the UN is a better place now to find receptive ears when it talks about the difficulties in their field missions. There are success stories to be told, and many positive results have been achieved in the past. But usually at a higher cost, with more complexities and in a longer timeframe than anticipated. In the future, let us start by recognising this at the beginning, giving us no need for excuses at the end of peace-building missions!"