Tag Archives: NATO
Smart Defense For The 21st Century
At the beginning of this year, the President of the United States and Secretary of Defense Panetta outlined our nation’s Defense Guidance and Priorities for the 21st Century. This new policy direction by our leadership sets new parameters for the U.S. military posture around the … Continue reading
Filed under diplomacy, Peace and Security, Security, U.S. Foreign Relations
Building Excellent Cyber Security
Tomorrow, November 17, the flags of the United States and Poland will be raised during a formal ceremony at the NATO Cyber Center of Excellence in Tallinn, Estonia. Our Estonian allies established the Center in 2004. It’s mission is to “enhance the capability, cooperation, … Continue reading
Seizing the Future in the Balkans
This week the people of Kosovo and Serbia have sadly faced another set of violent incidents where those dedicated to peace have been harmed as a result of Serb mob action, and backward-looking political agendas. NATO peacekeepers were injured, as were … Continue reading
A Europe that Matters
Last week a gave a talk to students, faculty and visitors at Estonia’s Tallinn Technical University expanding on my earlier blog on this subject. The engagement with a full house of very bright and knowledgeable individuals was invigorating and challenging. So much … Continue reading
Why Europe Still Matters
Having worked on the transatlantic relationship for many years of my diplomatic career, I am tempted to agree with Richard Hass’ provocative op-ed in the June 18 edition of the Washington Post “Why Europe No Longer Matters.” And yet, I will resist that temptation. Focussing mainly … Continue reading
Filed under American Values, Peace and Security, U.S. Foreign Relations
Serious About Cyber Defense
I understand there is a bit of concern among some in Estonia regarding the country’s past, current and future performance in cyber defense. There has also been some implication that Estonia may not have been nearly as prepared as it should have been when the 2007 large scale … Continue reading
A Turbulent 2010 Brings Success For U.S. and Estonia
An eventful year 2010 has marked and shaped my first year in Estonia. Political, economic, environmental and other powerful influences have challenged U.S. and Estonian leaders. The final tally is very positive. America, with the help of friends like Estonia, dealt successfully with environmental … Continue reading
Estonia in Afghanistan Not About Loyalty To The U.S.
A recent editorial in the Estonian newspaper Õhtuleht questioned Estonia’s — and indirectly all of NATO’s — engagement in Afghanistan. The piece argued that Estonia was not contributing to world stability, but was instead inviting “Muslims to attack Estonia.” Finally, Õhtuleht cited a … Continue reading
Filed under Peace and Security
Regarding U.S. Resolve and Capability
I was delighted to see a rather active set of responses to my recent piece on our Secretary of State’s return visit to Tallinn and to my on-line interview to the Delphi News Service. There were both appreciative and sceptical comments … Continue reading
Filed under American Values, U.S. -Estonian Relations
Estonia Continues To Help Shape Transatlantic Relations
Neither the setting nor the atmosphere could have been any better last week: both between the United States and Estonia, and among all the NATO allies. April 2010 in Tallinn was another milestone in reaffirming the U.S.-European community of values and action. Secretary … Continue reading
