I would change everything in the Arab world. I’d make them stop being such bigots, get educated, and join the modern world… I’d be a good president.
-- Riad’s father—Abdul-Razak (chapter 1)

Importance: This quote is the first characterization of Riad's father that shows his thoughts about his own identity, politics, and Arabs as a whole. There is a naiveté and youthfulness to his aspirations and the way he sees the world.

Gaddafi was on TV all the time. He reminded me of me. Like me, he had lots of people admiring him and smiling at him all the time. I liked to watch him.
-- Sattouf (chapter 1)

Importance: This quote shows the elements that Riad finds important and picks up on as a young child. He does not have an understanding of the role of a political leader, but he can tell that it is important that you are liked by people around you. Riad begins to...