Last week, U.S. Sec of State John Kerry, along with John McCain and Bob Kerrey, had an editorial in the New York Times about the relationship between the U.S. and Vietnam (“Moving On in Vietnam, but Remembering Its Lessons“). This coincided with President Obama’s visit to the country. Together, the three attempted to summarize the lessons they learned as veterans of the Vietnam War and as government officials.

I won’t say that I take all of what they wrote at face value, knowing that there are always realpolitiks in play.  China is reportedly upset with Obama’s visit, and the news that the U.S. will lift the ban on selling arms to Vietnam. However, the optimist within me wants to look on the bright side of things, including the fact that once hostile nations can attempt to overcome difficult pasts. It is at least somewhat hopeful that former adversaries can find enough common ground to form at least a working relationship (and sometimes more). As Kerry et al. wrote:

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A fourth and final lesson of the Vietnam conflict is playing out before our eyes: that with sufficient effort and will, seemingly unbridgeable differences can be reconciled. The fact that Mr. Obama is the third consecutive American president to visit Vietnam is proof that old enemies can become new partners.

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Looking to the future, we know that mutual interests, above all else, will drive our partnership with Vietnam. But it is strengthened, as well, by the natural affinities between our societies. These include family ties, a tendency toward optimism, a fierce desire for freedom and independence and a hard-earned appreciation that peace is far, far preferable to war.

Perhaps this is another reminder that the conditions of the present are not permanent. Nations and individuals who are currently at odds may find themselves as future allies. All is flux.