Elaine Sciolino Quotes

Powerful Elaine Sciolino for Daily Growth

About Elaine Sciolino

Elaine Sciolino is an acclaimed American journalist, author, and academic, recognized for her extensive work on the Middle East, particularly focusing on the region's culture, politics, and society. Born in 1952 in New York City to a family of Italian heritage, Sciolino developed an early interest in foreign cultures and languages. She earned her Bachelor's degree from Barnard College at Columbia University before pursuing graduate studies at Harvard University's Graduate School of Education. Sciolino's journalistic career began with the Associated Press, where she covered education, labor, and politics. However, it was her move to The New York Times in 1982 that marked a significant turning point in her professional life. She became the first female bureau chief for the newspaper, serving as the Paris Bureau Chief from 1986 to 1992. During this time, she wrote extensively about French politics, culture, and the shifting relationship between France and its former colonies in North Africa. In 1993, Sciolino was appointed as the Middle East Bureau Chief for The New York Times, based in Cairo, Egypt. Her reports from the region were instrumental in shaping public understanding of the complexities of the Middle East during a period marked by conflict and change. After leaving The New York Times in 1998, she continued her work as a foreign correspondent for other publications, including The Atlantic and Newsweek. Sciolino's first book, "The Barbarian's Wedding: An American Romance with Italy," published in 2005, is a personal account of her experiences living in Italy and exploring her Italian roots. Her second book, "The Only Street in Jerusalem: Life on the Christian Quarter," published in 2010, offers an intimate portrait of life in the Old City of Jerusalem from a Christian perspective. Currently, Sciolino is a professor at the School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) at Columbia University, where she focuses on Middle Eastern studies, journalism, and diplomacy. Her work continues to influence public discourse on global affairs, particularly in relation to the Middle East and its complex cultural and political landscape.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The true heart and soul of Italy lie in its cities."

Elaine Sciolino's quote suggests that the essence, character, and culture of Italy are deeply rooted in its urban areas – its cities. This idea highlights the significant role cities play in shaping a nation's identity by preserving historical traditions while fostering modern developments. In other words, visiting Italy's bustling metropolises offers a unique window into understanding the authentic Italian way of life, traditions, and spirit that may not be as easily found elsewhere.


"Italy is not just Rome, Venice, Florence, and Pompeii."

This quote by Elaine Sciolino emphasizes that Italy is more than just its famous cities and ancient ruins. It suggests a richness and diversity that lies beyond the traditional tourist destinations, inviting us to explore the lesser-known parts of the country, delve into its culture, traditions, and everyday life, ultimately gaining a deeper understanding and appreciation for this fascinating nation.


"In many ways, Istanbul is a city caught between East and West, past and present, traditionalism and modernity."

Elaine Sciolino's quote suggests that Istanbul, a vibrant city in Turkey, embodies a unique blend of cultural influences and historical periods. It straddles the boundary between Eastern and Western traditions, reflecting its strategic geographical position as a bridge between continents. The city also displays a balance between preservation of traditional values and embracing modernity, which is evident in its architecture, lifestyle, and social norms. This dual identity makes Istanbul a fascinating study of cultural diversity and historical evolution.


"The beauty of Turkey lies in its ability to reinvent itself without losing touch with its roots."

The quote by Elaine Sciolino emphasizes that Turkey's charm resides in its unique capacity to modernize while preserving its rich heritage. This duality allows Turkey to maintain a strong connection to its past, while simultaneously evolving and adapting to the present times. This ability to balance tradition with progress is what makes Turkey exceptional and intriguing.


"In the kitchen of Morocco, as in life, nothing should be wasted."

This quote by Elaine Sciolino suggests a philosophy that values resourcefulness, efficiency, and sustainability. It implies that every aspect of life, just like cooking in a Moroccan kitchen, should be approached with the mindset to make the most out of what is available. In essence, it's a call to minimize waste and maximize value, both in terms of resources and experiences. This perspective extends beyond culinary arts, as it encourages us to think creatively and responsibly in all areas of life.


The first weekend after the attacks of September 11, George W. Bush had a meeting at Camp David with his top advisors, including Colin Powell, the secretary of state. And there was a lively debate about Iraq policy, in which some people from the Pentagon were arguing that the war against terrorism should include Saddam Hussein.

- Elaine Sciolino

Some, Arguing, Colin, David

Francois Hollande, the president of France, and Segolene Royal, a senior cabinet minister who once ran for that post herself, have an exceptionally complicated relationship. The two lived together for 25 years, raising four children over that time.

- Elaine Sciolino

Two, Years, Post, Senior

When Pope Francis touched down on French soil for the first time in his papacy with a visit to the European Parliament in Strasbourg last November, Ms. Royal was the senior French official there to greet him.

- Elaine Sciolino

Touched, Pope, November, Senior

In 1981, Ms. Ebtekar was made editor-in-chief of the English-language newspaper 'Kayhan International.' The man who gave her the job was Mr. Khatami, who was then head of the Kayhan publishing house.

- Elaine Sciolino

Newspaper, Mr, Ms

Even before September 11, there was a debate in the administration about whether or not military force should be used to oust Saddam Hussein. You're not going to find one person in the top echelons of the foreign policy and national security establishment in the U.S. government who's going to say that Saddam Hussein should not be out of power.

- Elaine Sciolino

Before, About, Hussein, National Security

In 1991, only two years into the Bush administration, Condoleezza Rice suddenly left her powerful job as the top Russia expert on the National Security Council and went back to California - to get a life.

- Elaine Sciolino

Expert, Bush, Administration, National Security

We often forget that Iran has a long tradition and history with the United States. Iranians have been coming to the United States as students for decades. American businessmen were in Iran developing the oil fields. ...There was an American financial advisor to the Iranian government in the early part of the century.

- Elaine Sciolino

United, Been, Iranian, Businessmen

Colin Powell has said over the years that Saddam Hussein is like a toothache. It recurs from time to time, and you just have to live with it. At other times, he's compared Saddam Hussein to a kidney stone that will eventually pass. But he has never said, 'You have to operate and take out the kidney stone.'

- Elaine Sciolino

Other, Colin, Hussein, Toothache

I guess the biggest surprise I got going to Iran was that the Iranians really liked me as an American.

- Elaine Sciolino

Surprise, Going, Iran, Iranians

The position of vice president does not exist in France; neither does a role comparable that of the first lady of the United States.

- Elaine Sciolino

Role, United States, Vice, Vice President

France has become the second-largest consumer of pizza per person, per pound, in the world, behind the United States and ahead of Italy.

- Elaine Sciolino

Behind, Ahead, United States, Consumer

The Italian Renaissance extends beyond food, of course. Just about every major Italian furniture designer now has a shop in Paris, and Le Bon Marche recently opened an outlet for Santa Maria Novella perfumes, elixirs and soaps from Florence on its ground floor.

- Elaine Sciolino

About, Soaps, Shop, Maria

I don't think Iraq could be transformed overnight into a democracy. How can you take a country that doesn't have any kind of tradition of democracy, where its people have been brutalized and repressed for decades, and suddenly impose Jeffersonian ideals?

- Elaine Sciolino

Country, Overnight, Been, Transformed

When the sommelier Enrico Bernardo moved to Paris from Italy nearly two decades ago, the world of French gastronomy brutally rejected him. No matter that he had won the competition for best sommelier in Italy; when he asked 30 restaurateurs for work in their wine cellars, all turned him down.

- Elaine Sciolino

Turned, Rejected, Moved, Decades

Historically, the French have had a romantic attachment to their bikes. Though the first functioning two-wheeler is thought to have been invented by a German in 1817, it was the French who popularized and marketed the device in the 1860s, giving it the name 'bicycle.'

- Elaine Sciolino

Been, Bikes, German, Device

Paris will give bicyclists more rights when it installs 4,300 signs throughout the city, allowing them to barrel though red lights and turn right on red.

- Elaine Sciolino

Give, Barrel, Though, Lights

The Bush administration actually started out with an open mind towards Iran, by all indications. In fact, early in the administration, the White House tasked the various agencies of government to do an inter-agency review of Iran policy, as it did with Iraq policy and most of the big areas of the world.

- Elaine Sciolino

Fact, Big, Bush, White House

Every day since the start of the Tour de France, the popular 'Le Parisien' newspaper has published a story about a book written with the bicycle in mind.

- Elaine Sciolino

Mind, Bicycle, Newspaper, Published

The city of Paris is determined to promote the happiness-on-a-bike fantasy. Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo wants to turn the city into the most bike-friendly capital in the world.

- Elaine Sciolino

City, Fantasy, Capital, Determined

Massoumeh Ebtekar is the highest-ranking woman in Iran's government, a symbol of President Mohammed Khatami's promise to promote women into high-profile positions.

- Elaine Sciolino

Woman, Symbol, Iran, Promote

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