Islam is the best, but we Muslims are not the best. The West is neither corrupted nor degenerate. It is strong, well-educated, and organized. Their schools are better than ours. Their cities are cleaner than ours. The level of respect for human rights in the West is higher, and the care for the poor and less capable is better organized. Westerners are usually responsible and accurate in their words. Instead of hating the West, let us proclaim cooperation instead of confrontation. - Alija Izetbegovic, cited in 'The Two Faces of Islam' by Stephen Schwartz

Sleep peacefully people, there will not be a war. (Narode, spavaj mirno, rata nece biti.) - Alija Izetbegovic, cited in Central Europe Review

Bosnia should be a secular state. A non-secular Bosnia would be terror. - Alija Izetbegovic for 'Start BiH Magazine', questions 28 and 29.)

This may not be a just peace, but it is more just than the continuation of war - Alija Izetbegovic quoted on BBC News

Let me look at the foulness and ugliness of my body. Let me see myself as an ulcerous sore running with every horrible and disgusting poison.

To consider oneself different from ordinary men is wrong, but it is right to hope that one will not remain like ordinary men.

Debate is healthy and no one in this chamber - starting with me - has a monopoly on being right.