Slovakia has made remarkable strides in becoming a full participant in European political affairs. It is finding its niche role in NATO military strategy and tactics and providing a military contingent to the rather meagre "Coalition of the willing", and has become a member of the European Union.
[US President George W.] Bush needs to acknowledge the current and potential benefits of cordial relations with Eastern Europe as well as reassuring [Russian President Vladmir] Putin that he need not feel threatened by the new reality.
Six months ago I knew next to nothing about Slovakia and still know relatively little, but when I correspond by email with folks from Bratislava, they are surprised and pleased that an American with no ethnic ties to anyplace in Eastern or Central Europe even knows where Bratislava is.
Merrill Davis,,
Iowa, USA
