US policy toward Greece and Cyprus: The need for an institutional mind-set

When it takes effect on February 15, Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Wess Mitchell's resignation will create a significant vacancy at the US Department of State. He is responsible for America's relations with 50 countries in Europe and Eurasia, and with NATO, the European Union and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).

Given the importance of US relations with Europe and these international bodies, it is critical for the administration of Donald Trump to address the vacancy immediately and for the United States Senate to confirm a nominee as soon as possible amid an already crammed agenda.

For Greek-American community advocates who are proponents of strong US relations with Greece and Cyprus, Mitchell's resignation was met with rightful disappointment. Mitchell was a breath of fresh air for those of us who...