February 11, 2003
LAST KID PICKED:
Bismarck must be spinning in his grave at Germany's blunder (Josef Joffe, 12/02/2003, Daily Telegraph)How the once-mighty have stumbled! In the old days (not that they were such good days), the Germans simply used to overrun Belgium - and triggered two world wars in the process. Now they hide behind this tiny country in order to kick Uncle Sam in the shin.Though Berlin did not formally veto Nato planning for the defence of Turkey in case of an Iraqi war, German Nato diplomats earlier this week egged on France and Belgium to say "Non".
Making a mouse roar, to do in Nato? This is a new one in the annals of diplomacy, and it adds inanity to injury. Or, to quote the French master cynic Talleyrand, who served both Napoleon and the restored monarchy: "This was worse than a crime, it was a mistake." [...]
This is a gamble the German chancellor may well lose. Unlike Mr Schröder, Mr Chirac and Mr Putin have not tied their hands; indeed, the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle is well on its way toward the Middle East. In the end, neither France nor Russia will risk their American connection, let alone a seat at the table where the post-war fate of Iraq will be thrashed out.
Germany as the odd man out? This must be the nightmare now wafting through the chancellor's office. Can it be banished? Yes, if coldly calculated interest prevails. It whispers ever so loudly: "Don't mess with Mr Big unless the stronger battalions are on your side." Belgium is not enough.
Shouldn't a successor to Bismarck know better than to muck around with those for whom God has a Special Providence? Posted by Orrin Judd at February 11, 2003 8:57 PM
Bismarck has been spinning ever since William 2 failed to renew the Reinsurance Treaty with Russia 112 years ago. It's doubtful that, if he were here today, he would have anything good to say about any German foreign policy since 1890.
Posted by: Harry at February 11, 2003 9:59 PMI think the idea that France can waltz right back into the US good graces (assuming they don't veto a second resolution) is a bit tenous. Americans are p*ssed at the French and would feel betrayed if Bush and co turn around and claim they are allies (like the Saudis)
Posted by: AWW at February 11, 2003 11:39 PMBut Americans, I believe, do have this tendency to forget, to forgive, to (want to) live and to let live. Our anger is short-lived, generally. Life is to short, etc. There's life to be lived. And we have even to be known to reward our former enemies (gasp!).
The flip side of "just wanting to be loved" perhaps? (Or is it the noblesse oblige of the Lone Ranger in a deracinated world?) Or maybe, just maybe Americans still take themselves (and their responsibilities) seriously?
Part of our naivete? Part of our charm? Or perhaps just another of our barbarian, Calibanish, or "cowboyish" characteristics.
Part of our Christian tradition of forgiveness?
Posted by: pj at February 12, 2003 8:57 AM?The Wife bought brie for a party the other night and asked for the Califoirnia rather than the French, not that CA is much different....
Posted by: oj at February 12, 2003 10:05 AMThat'll show 'em! Aux barricades, mes enfants
et maris!