LEAVE THEM OUT IN THE COLD

Rivalling America will make Europe weaker (Dominique Moisi, May 4 2003, Financial Times)

The European Union is clearly a loser from the war in Iraq. Before the conflict, it faced the two enormous challenges of accommodating 10 new members and redesigning its institutions to cope with an enlarged membership. Now it faces a third and even more important one: bridging its differences on how to deal with Washington.

Following the war, America counts for much more in the world and Europe, "Old" Europe at least, much less. France, Germany and Russia contributed nothing to the demise of one of the world's worst dictatorships. In contrast, Poland is to take a leading peacekeeping role in Iraq. The symbolism is powerful.

As a result of its diplomatic strategy and style, France is now the target of a new anti-French patriotism in the US. Germany's first serious attempt at diplomatic Gaullism has hardly given the country greater international influence. The creation of a Paris-Berlin-Moscow axis is not a viable strategy for balancing American power. And it could only prove divisive in a European Union of 25 members that does not include Russia.

Last week's defence summit between Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany and France showed how absurd the idea of a strong European defence policy is without Britain. And without a strong defence, Europe can never hope to influence and restrain the US.

It is important at this time for the U.S. to further provoke Old Europe, specifically to avoid such a rapproachment. Nothing good can come of helping France and Germany end their self-imposed isolation. We'd do well to remember that when these guys are at your feet they're just resting up before lunging at your throat. Posted by Orrin Judd at May 5, 2003 8:15 AM