He apparently can't conceive of a world that is both growing and getting better.

FORBES: Magazine Article

Scientists aren't sure if the world's deserts collectively are growing, but the boundaries of some are in flux.

FORBES: A Desert Where?

"Growing up in California, I didn't know much about the Arab world, " he said in a State Department video prepared to introduce him to the Libyan people after his appointment as ambassador in May.

CNN: Slain ambassador died 'trying to help build a better Libya'