Alexander Backs Cyber Talks

Army Gen. Keith Alexander, head of the Defense Department’s new Cyber Command, said last week he is open to the US engaging in talks with Russia on limiting military attacks in cyberspace. “What Russia’s put forward is, perhaps, the starting point for international debate,” Alexander said June 3 at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, D.C. He added, “It’s something that we should, and probably will, carefully consider.” The US has shunned Russia’s proposal for such talks in the past, but Alexander’s statements appear to indicate a significant US policy shift, the Wall Street Journal reported Friday. This was Alexander’s first public appearance since assuming his new post on May 21. (CSIS Web page with event audio and video) (See also AFPS report by Donna Miles and Reuters news wire report.)