Although the visit felt too short, it was wonderful to return to Hanoi to lead the US-ASEAN Business Council’s Vietnam Business Mission after more than two years away.
At a book event in a Barnes & Noble store in Huntington Beach, I signed one hundred copies of Nothing Is Impossible: America’s Reconciliation with Vietnam. I donated the proceeds to Afghan refugee sponsorships. And, based on the warm reception to my message there, I thought perhaps we had turned a corner on reconciliation.
This book talk discussion will build on Nothing is Impossible to explore the role that collaboration on addressing war legacies and rising challenges related to the Mekong River have played in supporting a strong U.S.–Vietnam relationship.
I promised that all royalties from pre-orders would go to the wonderful Vietnam programs of The Asia Foundation. I will deliver on that promise and donate $3600 to the foundation on behalf of all of you. You preordered 3224 books, and I understand that many more have sold since the October 15 launch date.
Ted came to appreciate how important food is in Vietnamese culture. The great care in bringing together fresh ingredients and subtle spices makes every Vietnamese meal special, whether it is a quick bánh mì or phở, or a several-course meal.
November 1 marks the 66th anniversary of the start of the Vietnam War, the struggle dubbed "The American War" by the Vietnamese people. Robert Bociaga takes a look at the developing and enduring relationship between the old adversaries in Washington and Hanoi.
Former US envoy Ted Osius discusses his efforts to turn former war foes into friends.
Mr. Osius, appointed by President Barack Obama in 2014, spoke to an Elliott School crowd on United States-Vietnam relations following wartime.
The Board of Directors, members and staff of the US-ASEAN Business Council convey their deep condolences to the Powell family, the American people, and friends in ASEAN and beyond on the passing of the 65th U.S. Secretary of State, 16th U.S. National Security Advisor, and 12th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Colin L. Powell.
In Nothing Is Impossible: America’s Reconciliation with Vietnam, my friend Ted Osius, former U.S. ambassador to Vietnam, tells the extraordinary story of how two enemies became friends. Relationships are at the core of this story, ecause for reconciliation and for diplomacy relationships matter.
The Oval Office looked the same. The wall-to-ceiling windows continued to overlook the South Lawn. The famous "Resolute" desk dominated the room. But it didn't feel like the Oval Office I remembered.
I told the students a behind-the-scenes story from the spring of 2015, when I heard from Party and government leaders that General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trọng wanted to visit President Barack Obama in the United States.
When I met with President Phúc on September 23, he surprised me with congratulations on the publication of Nothing Is Impossible: America’s Reconciliation with Vietnam.
I still feel the deepest gratitude toward Thầy Độ, the most exacting of our three teachers. He sought precision in our tones and pronunciation, not an easy task with distracted Foreign Service Officers.
A reader curious to learn why Washington and Hanoi are now contemplating a comprehensive strategic relationship won't be disappointed by Ted Osius' book. There is lucid discussion, inter alia, of the step-by-step development of strategic trust between the military establishments of both nations.
