The Syria Crisis as Seen from our Embassy in Reykjavik

I have observed with interest the public debate in Iceland about the crisis in Syria and it seems that, on balance, Icelanders and Americans are grappling with many of the same dilemmas:  How to stop the slaughter of innocent civilians by the Assad regime without causing further suffering?  How to stop the use of chemical weapons by a regime that until recently had never acknowledged having them?  How to test whether Assad is serious about turning his chemical weapons over to the international community?  Should U.S. efforts to build an international consensus be supported?  These are all valid questions that need to be addressed carefully.  In doing so, I would urge Icelanders to examine the path taken by President Obama and to think about the case that President Obama made to the American people last night. Click to watch the Presidents remarks. He closed his remarks with this:  “America is not the world’s policeman.  Terrible things happen across the globe, and it is beyond our means to right every wrong.  But when, with modest effort and risk, we can stop children from being gassed to death, and thereby make our own children safer over the long run, I believe we should act.  That’s what makes America different.  That’s what makes us exceptional.  With humility, but with resolve, let us never lose sight of that essential truth.”

Iceland’s Culture of Peace

I had the pleasure of attending the opening of the exhibit “From a Culture of Violence to a Culture of Peace" organized by the Icelandic Chapter of Soka Gakkai International (SGI)—a Buddhist organization with over 12 million lay members worldwide. SGI is dedicated to the abolition of nuclear weapons, the promotion of peace, culture, and education. We were honored to be invited and very pleased to represent President Obama who is firmly committed to moving towards a nuclear free world. Living in Iceland, one comes to expect to come across many, many individuals fiercely committed to peace and fostering understanding between people. After all, this is where a major summit took place. I might add that the performance by Selma Bjornsdottir was moving and fitting for the occasion.

Icelanders express grief and sympathy for the victims of Newtown rampage

The Embassy has been overwhelmed by the expressions of grief and sympathy for the families of the victims of the unspeakable violence that took place in Newtown last week. Icelanders from all walks of life have expressed these feelings in person, using the social media, and via letters. The Mayor of Reykjavik was among them as well as representatives from other countries. At this very difficult time in the United States, we are deeply grateful for the thoughts and prayers of our friends. President Obama expressed his gratitude on behalf of our nation yesterday when he told the diplomatic corps in the United States that over the last few days we’ve seen that the entire world stands with Newtown with so many countries and their citizens sending messages to them. Thank you Iceland.