When the Yaks run on Time

There is no leader so evil that he will not have his defenders. It was doubtless possible to find sixteenth century Muscovites who would recall the reign of Ivan Vasilievich with nostalgia. He was a harsh Tsar, they would concede over their vodka, but he was fair and his torturing should be seen in the proper historical context. "The Terrible" was really more a respectful term of endearment than any kind of criticism. Genghis Khan probably had supporters who would aver years later that he had had a bad press, probably didn't know what was being done in his name, was misunderstood, and anyhow at least he had made the yaks run on time. You always knew where you were, sentimental Transylvanians would recall, with Vlad the Impaler.

- Andrew Roberts, in his book Hitler & Churchill: Secrets of Leadership