The north-eastern experience testifies to two other big advantages.

ECONOMIST: Bagehot

Hinson said FAA personnel determined that because many of the pilots hired by ValuJet were former Eastern Airlines pilots with considerable experience, some new hires appeared relatively inexperienced.

CNN: FAA director defends ValuJet inspections

That is the bitter experience of loyal Atlanticists in eastern Europe, who have been waiting for America's visa regime to lift ever since the iron curtain fell.

ECONOMIST: A docile ally wins visa-free travel to America. Others fume

Dritan is a fascinating and well-read guy, a native Albanian speaker, someone with significant on-the-ground experience running political campaigns in Eastern Europe, and (in the interests of full disclosure) a fellow Harvard alum.

FORBES: Various Matters

And experience with transition economies in Eastern Europe has shown that it takes a long time for people to adjust to the new economic paradigm, and many remain frozen in the old mentality for many years to come.

BBC: Iraq war 'will hit Mid-East growth'

"The current crisis is a test of our commitment to the European project, and a call to intensify our efforts to maintain our level of development, " he added, recalling the experience and the sacrifices of Eastern European countries in this regard.

UNESCO: MEDIA SERVICES

After notching one goal and eight assists in 20 postseason games a year ago, when the top-seeded Rangers reached the Eastern Conference finals, Stepan is ready to put his experience to good use.

WSJ: Rising star Stepan eyes playoff run for Rangers

Somewhat surprisingly, given the fact that the city struggled through a recession after its steel industry began to falter, Pitt is now one of the nicest places to live in the Eastern U.S. Its parks and rivers provide eco-tourism options to people who want to experience the green side of this newly vibrant metropolis.

FORBES: Written by Josh Lew