8/2/2024

My Dear Friend & POTUS, JRB,

            Congratulations on the wonderful news about the release of the Americans held in Russian prisons. The WP called it a “blockbuster prisoner swap.” The WSJ used the word, “historic” in its headline, while the AP opted for “landmark.” The NYT noted it was a “win” which offered you a “measure of validation.”

Whatever we call it, I’m glad that it worked out & that Evan Gershkovich, Alsu Kurmasheva, Paul Whelan & Vladimir Kara-Murza are back home.

Now it’s time to work your diplomatic magic on Aun San Suu Kyi being held on trumped up charges in Burma.

            This swap has me wondering about the ethics of assassinations on foreign soil. US Navy Seals killed Osama Bin Laden in Pakistan in 2011. The Russians killed Chechen leader, Zelimkhan Khangoshvili, in Germany in 2019. The Israelis killed Ismail Haniyeh in Iran last week. In each case, the victim was a leader of rebel fighters considered to be an “enemy of the state” for “masterminding attacks.”

            Why do we call Vadim Krasikov (VK), the Russian assassin, a “convicted killer,” while the Navy Seals are heroes? Aren’t we using a double standard?

            The WP claims that your people don’t understand why VVP was so intent on getting VK out of jail. Some speculate that VVP considered VK to be a patriot & wanted to “send a firm message” about his commitment to protect his “loyal footmen.”

            Bottom line, killing your enemies doesn’t solve your problems. Diplomacy is a better approach.

            I’m thinking a lot about diplomacy as I navigate our challenges in my new community. The most recent being cockroach sightings & stinky dog pee. I don’t have space to give you the details. Suffice it to say, we have some differences of opinion on how to proceed.

            As I looked for food for thought on diplomacy, I happened upon a speech given by Colin Powell in which he said, “the most advantageous outcome may be an incomplete success.” What do you think of that?

            BYBS,