No easy business

The Editor, Sir:

I listened to Secretary of State Hilary Clinton addressing a pro-Israeli gathering recently, and she took the opportunity to reaffirm America's commitment to Israel, and the fact that both countries remain strong allies. This is so, despite the recent rebuff of US suggestions to halt construction on disputed lands so that the peace process may move forward.

Mirror that response of the Secretary of State to what is happening in Jamaica regarding the extradition matter of Christopher 'Dudus' Coke. There are those in civil society who would dare predict doom and gloom and nothing short of a modern-day Armageddon. Yet, when all the rhetoric has died down and the smoke has cleared, Jamaica and the United States remain partners.

International relations is no easy business. It will sometimes include disagreements. The extradition matter appears to be one such moment, but this too shall pass. Jamaica is too important to US strategic interests in the region for it to allow this matter to derail that relationship. The US is too important to Jamaica for us not to take a considered view of their position.

For many years, Jamaica has had a close relationship with the United States and this will continue. So, despite the view that visas will be cancelled, contrary to statements from the US embassy here in Jamaica that says visa cancellation is not used as a political strategy, Jamaica and the United States will remain partners on many fronts.

As has been shown by the recent impasse between the United States and Israel, there can be disagreement between friends, but the friendship will continue.

I am, etc.,

Harold Malcolm

bruce_26@hotmail.com