E.L. (Edward Lucas), Eastern Approaches, Economist.com

FINLAND is not technically part of "eastern Europe" but this blog has long argued that the term is meaningless anyway. And as Alexander Stubb is in London, I am bending the rules a little and featuring his speech today at the LSE. The only thing I don't like about it is the title. "Dignified foreign policy" has echoes of stiff-upper-lip decline management of the kind that British diplomats have practised over the past 60 years. But the speech itself is well worth reading in full. His main argument is that the "west" (ie EU and America) has largely failed in promoting democracy and human rights because we are so blind to our own imperfections. Mr Stubb quotes the former Finnish president Paasikivi, who said (roughly) that "acknowledging the truth is the beginning of wisdom".

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Arvamus

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To muigab artiklile Talvi Maimets: Corrections to St....: Of course, it would wear out your lips before you got half way… Very sad artiklile Kairi Hemingway resigns as President of...: The contempt you demonstrate for community volunteers is extremely disappointing. It’s very sad that EKN is being twisted into yet another tool of division by this tiny group of haters. Real community member artiklile Kairi Hemingway resigns as President of...: Looking at this roster, I am certain EKN’s future is secure. I know each of these folks and each one is honourable, dedicated, and extremely intelligent. Make no mistake, have no doubts, the... Ummmm artiklile Talvi Maimets: Corrections to St....: Muigab is living in reality, unlike you and the rest of your people. The fact is, any ‘successes’ thus far are remnants of the tireless efforts of the previous council. By the way, the vote... To muigab artiklile Talvi Maimets: Corrections to St....: Who is breaking the rules? Who is dumping tradition? Strong language! Was it not the previous council that lied to us, bent the rules as it suited them, drove the church towards insolvency- and... Answer artiklile Talvi Maimets: Corrections to St....: They will answer for all the things pointed out in the "Corrections" above! Stay tuned... TL/DR artiklile Talvi Maimets: Corrections to St....: Too long / didn't read From a former PK Nõukogu memb artiklile Talvi Maimets: Corrections to St....: To the Board: Your invitation/appeal to church members to bring their concerns to you instead of airing them in public is hollow and does not ring true. When nõukogu members used this approach many... Are you sure? artiklile Talvi Maimets: Corrections to St....: The $1.5M was a legitimate estimate. You can to a half-assed job and defer the ultimate for a while or tackle the problem head on and fix it properly. To fix the roof to last another 60-70 years, it... Muigab artiklile Talvi Maimets: Corrections to St....: So breaking the rules, dumping tradition, ignoring the constitution, disregarding ONCA and the Letters Patent, are all OK?Wow!!!