Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

The Gloves are Off: The European Press on Bush's Visit
SPIEGEL ^ | February 21, 2005 | staff

Posted on 02/21/2005 3:41:15 PM PST by Ernest_at_the_Beach

BUSHWRAPPED

The Gloves are Off: The European Press on Bush's Visit

Bush has arrived. The plain-spoken US President flew into Brussels on Sunday, the first stop on a five-day fence-mending trip though Europe that will take him to Germany and Slovakia as well. The European press has plenty to say about the latest battlefront in the American charm offensive.

What the Germans are Saying

In Mainz, the preparations for Bush's visit have been going on for weeks.
Zoom
AP
In Mainz, the preparations for Bush's visit have been going on for weeks.
The German papers haven't kicked into high Bush-coverage mode yet, but then the President isn't expected here until Wednesday, and even then, nothing earth-shaking is likely to come out of his visit. German editorialists are long-practiced in approaching the Bush administration with healthy skepticism, and their comments this time around are no different.

The daily Die Tageszeitung has a long editorial on Washington's exercise of its military options, and writes that for all the charm offensives launched in the last few months, little has changed. "The tone is at least civilized again. That's nice. France will no longer be punished, as Rice recommended, and Germany will no longer be ignored." But that doesn't mean US belief in the use of force has fundamentally changed. There are already many possible areas for new conflicts, "and there won't be fewer of them, but more." The possibility for peaceful solutions in Iran and North Korea certainly exist, but the US hasn't ruled out military intervention. Still, it could choose to work together with Europe. "It's not just about 'the differences of the past.' It's about the frightening path toward another war, one which might one day make everything that has happened in Iraq look harmless."

Germany's second-largest business paper, Financial Times Deutschland, also has a long commentary on the visit. The paper identifies three good reasons why the US and Europe should find the will to work together. To begin with, "on its own, the Super Power doesn't have the money or the know-how to take on the rebuilding of countries like Iraq and Afghanistan -- much less the democratic restructuring of an entire region like the Middle East." Secondly, "Europe's democracies share more values with America than with any other imaginable partners." Thirdly, there's the question of sheer power: "Only a unified Europe can endanger America's worldwide supremacy in the foreseeable future." On the other side, there are a number of disagreements -- chiefly, Iran and the weapons embargo with China -- that speak against working together. "At the core, it's about the US accepting Europe as an equal partner and not automatically expecting to be followed."


Divers inspecting the waterways of Mainz.
Zoom
REUTERS
Divers inspecting the waterways of Mainz.
Finally, Franz Josef Wagner, the tabloid Bild's gap-toothed, daily commentator pens an open letter to Bush. The security surrounding Bush's trip to Mainz is unprecedented, and will essentially shut down the entire city. But Wagner is worried not for Bush's safety, but that the president will get all lonely in the motorcade. "Dear George W. Bush, the loneliness of your Cadillac makes me sad. I'd really like to be able to wave at you. But your security apparatus won't let me."

What the French Are Saying

French papers, too, are generally skeptical about Bush's trip, wondering if it will be more flash than fundament. Still, there is a bit of coy gloating that comes with being the target of so much stroking. The liberal daily Liberation notes that "this week there will no longer be much of the 'forgive the Russians, ignore the Germans and punish the French' recipe that was floating around Washington two years ago. Instead, it will be coddle the French, embrace the Germans and gently remind the Russians about their small digressions in terms of democracy and their friendship with Syria."

The paper says the change in Washington's tone is being looked at with "a mix of interest and skepticism." And, says the paper, "the list of potential disputes remains long, if it is about the nuclear dreams of Iran (a nation with which the US does not want to negotiate), Hezbollah (which France doesn't want to include on the list of terrorist groups) the European project to lift the embargo on the sale of arms to China, the Middle-East crisis, the fight over climate protection, the role of multi-lateral organizations and the repression of war crimes." But, the good thing, notes the paper is that the elections in Iraq went well, and that gives Bush a little boost with Europeans. The main thing, the paper says is that America has to show it is ready to give up unilateralism. Europe has to prove it can sustain a unified role.

Bush in Brussels.
Zoom
REUTERS
Bush in Brussels.
The more conservative Le Monde, too, is hard-nosed, applauding German Chancellor Schroeder for urging Bush to witness the "increasing importance" of the European Union during this trip. It also insists that Bush has to stop governing the world as if America is the only nation that matters. "Mr. Bush is welcome in Europe as long as he agrees to a partnership of equals, rather than a relationship of dependence between the American superpower and its European vassals," the paper says. Despite all their differences, though, the truth is that "America needs Europe and Europe needs America."

What the Brits are Saying

And finally, some golden words from Britain's brightest lights.

From the Times: "The recent trip to Europe of Condoleezza Rice in her new role as US Secretary of State has created a buzz of excitement ... So when the president travels to Europe this week to meet Tony Blair, Jacques Chirac, Gerhard Schroeder and Vladimir Putin, will it be evidence that trans-Atlantic relations are on the mend? Sadly, not so ... Fundamental issues divide the US and continental Europe, and there is little indication that a few days of glad-handing will iron them out."

"At the heart of this rift is the role that both continents see for each other ... America has become the proponent of encouraging -- even imposing -- democracy on tyrannical regimes ... It rightly sees its policy vindicated by elections in both Afghanistan and Iraq ... the bien pensants of Europe remain unconvinced, however, and fearful of America's next move."

The Sunday Telegraph asks "What exactly does this new Euro-American 'cooperation' boil down to when the airy platitudes float gently back to earth? ... The test of this coming week will be whether anybody talks about anything concrete, anything specific, or whether they just dust off the usual blather."

Pullquotes


Two tidbits pulled from the press on the first day of Bush's visit.

The US ambassador to Belgium, Tom C. Korologos, speaking to the International Herald Tribune about having the Bushes as houseguests for three days:

"It's a very big deal. Advance people have been looking and measuring and walking and testing lights and moving chairs for the last two weeks....We go around and dust all the furniture, just like when your mother-in-law's coming over to see you."
Speaking to DER SPIEGEL, Martin Schulz, leader of the Socialist representatives in the EU parliament, was asked whether he though Bush would support Europe's push for a diplomatic solution to the Iran question:
"No. Too much broadcast-consciousness penetrates his speeches. Men like him, who are inspired by a mission, often don't act rationally and therefore become difficult to calculate, sometimes even dangerous. Bush has expressly not ruled out becoming involved militarily in other parts of the world, as he did in Iraq. That is a risky type of politics -- far away from the US, but right on the doorstep of the European Union."





TOPICS: Extended News; Foreign Affairs; News/Current Events; War on Terror
KEYWORDS: bush43; eu; euroweenies; euvisit
Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first 1-2021-4041-6061-64 next last

1 posted on 02/21/2005 3:41:16 PM PST by Ernest_at_the_Beach
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | View Replies]

To: TexKat
As the bloggers say, hat tip to Texkat . Thought it worthy of a good discussion.
2 posted on 02/21/2005 3:42:32 PM PST by Ernest_at_the_Beach (A Proud member of Free Republic ~~The New Face of the Fourth Estate since 1996.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Ernest_at_the_Beach

With an unemployment rate approaching 12% and an election near, Schroeder's only hope of winning is to bash Bush and America. Hate to say it, but I don't expect much good to come from this visit.


3 posted on 02/21/2005 3:47:25 PM PST by mwfsu84
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: mwfsu84
With an unemployment rate approaching 12% and an election near, Schroeder's only hope of winning is to bash Bush and America. Hate to say it, but I don't expect much good to come from this visit.

You redneck conservatives showing your closed minds again. How dare you!

:) Hehehe! Denote sarcasm.

I'd have to agree with you. I don't expect the French to be cooperative at all. History shows them to be anything but cooperative.

4 posted on 02/21/2005 3:51:04 PM PST by writer33 ("In Defense of Liberty," a political thriller, being released in March)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 3 | View Replies]

To: Ernest_at_the_Beach

"The European Press"

Only Germany and France are noted. Well, they do think they speak for "Europe."


5 posted on 02/21/2005 3:52:22 PM PST by Shermy
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Shermy

They may get surprised one of these days!


6 posted on 02/21/2005 3:54:46 PM PST by Ernest_at_the_Beach (A Proud member of Free Republic ~~The New Face of the Fourth Estate since 1996.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 5 | View Replies]

To: Ernest_at_the_Beach

I don't care if Schroeder and Chirac get on their knees and kiss Mr. Bush's ass on the tarmac.
Over the years, American boys and girls in the military have died because of their greed and stupidity.
If germany and france get unemployment of say 60% I for one still would refuse to buy andy of their goods for any reason.
F-em.


7 posted on 02/21/2005 3:54:52 PM PST by Joe Boucher (an enemy of islam)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Ernest_at_the_Beach

Europe needs America, sure. But I don't see why America needs Europe, and especially why we're still flushing money (in the form of NATO expenditures) down that rat hole of socialism and anti-Americansim.

Disband NATO and form WTO - World Treaty Organization. Make the entry requirement at least 2 divisions of soldiers and 1 billion in equipment, always. Move all American forces out of Europe and send them to places that need protection, like Afghanistan, Iraq, Venezuela, Cuba, and Japan. South Korea has apparently decided it doesn't need the US anymore - fine they're too far away anyway.


8 posted on 02/21/2005 3:56:01 PM PST by wvobiwan (Paris Hilton for UN Sec. Gen. - At least we might get laid while we're getting screwed.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Ernest_at_the_Beach

Am I crazy, but I think GWB is delivering a totally different message than the European newspapers think they are getting? I think GWB is telling the Europeans that they missed the bus when they opposed the regime change in Iraq, but that we've held the bus at the next stop if they want to get on board now. Meanwhile the European newspapers seem to think GWB has stopped the bus to ask for directions, and that their respective governments will provide the directions.


9 posted on 02/21/2005 3:56:36 PM PST by Poodlebrain
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2 | View Replies]

To: Ernest_at_the_Beach
The paper identifies three good reasons why the US and Europe should find the will to work together. To begin with, "on its own, the Super Power doesn't have the money or the know-how to take on the rebuilding of countries like Iraq and Afghanistan -- much less the democratic restructuring of an entire region like the Middle East." Secondly, "Europe's democracies share more values with America than with any other imaginable partners." Thirdly, there's the question of sheer power: "Only a unified Europe can endanger America's worldwide supremacy in the foreseeable future."

This could have come from Sprokets, the New Generation - Attempting Humor.


10 posted on 02/21/2005 3:57:35 PM PST by BigWaveBetty (~~Secretary of Keepin' It Real)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Ernest_at_the_Beach

Nice find Bump.


11 posted on 02/21/2005 4:00:29 PM PST by Richard Kimball (It was a joke. You know, humor. Like the funny kind. Only different.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Ernest_at_the_Beach

And just what are they saying around the gaming tables in the Grand Duchy of Fenwick this evening?


12 posted on 02/21/2005 4:00:38 PM PST by nkycincinnatikid
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Shermy
Given the deafening lack of support for American ideals in the EU press, and the lackluster support, albeit that it is somewhat nice to have any support at all, from "new Europe, perhaps they do.

Even though other countries have voiced displeasure with France's self aggrandizing viewpoint, it is not only France that is anti American.

The EU is a fine PR lapdog for France.
13 posted on 02/21/2005 4:01:28 PM PST by bill1952 ("All that we do is done with an eye towards something else.")
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 5 | View Replies]

To: Ernest_at_the_Beach
VW and Daimler car sales are down about 30% in the USA. French wine and cheese sales are down about a third (they pulled out their automobile franchises in the 1980's).

You betcha the Germans and French want to make nice. They need this market, as their total GNP's are shrinking for the past two years in a row.

I think they also suspect Condi will step in for VP Cheney in the last year so they will have to deal with her as president, once elected. They got plenty to be nice about with us!

14 posted on 02/21/2005 4:02:11 PM PST by Zuben Elgenubi
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Ernest_at_the_Beach

I think it's about time that we REMIND cowardly Europe (excluding England) exactly what we did for them during World War II. If it wasn't for America, France would either be speaking German or a country of lampshades compliments of Germany, the same country that brought the world Adoph Hitler. We sacrificed a hell of alot more than they did in World War II and this is the thanks that we get today. Bush should remind them of that on his trip to Europe this week.


15 posted on 02/21/2005 4:02:12 PM PST by JarheadFromFlorida (Ooorahhhh........Get Some! Semper Fi')
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Ernest_at_the_Beach

"Men like him, who are inspired by a mission, often don't act rationally and therefore become difficult to calculate, sometimes even dangerous."

Only dangerous to people like you, Mr. Schulz. Have you hugged a "freedom fighter" today?


16 posted on 02/21/2005 4:02:12 PM PST by Theresawithanh (2005! My resolution: FReep even MORE this year!!!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Joe Boucher
If germany and france get unemployment of say 60% I for one still would refuse to buy andy of their goods for any reason. F-em.

The continental Europeans generally don't come to terms with their disasterous Socialist policies until the whole of Europe is burning and crashing down around them.

European Socialists....Stupid buggers.

17 posted on 02/21/2005 4:02:18 PM PST by Caipirabob (Democrats.. Socialists..Commies..Traitors...Who can tell the difference?)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 7 | View Replies]

To: wvobiwan
"Europe needs America, sure. But I don't see why America needs Europe"

So America-based American haters don't feel lonely?

I know, I know, I'm reachin here but...

18 posted on 02/21/2005 4:02:28 PM PST by Darkwolf377 (Happy President's Day! Abraham Lincoln= our greatest president)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 8 | View Replies]

To: Ernest_at_the_Beach
"on its own, the Super Power doesn't have the money or the know-how to take on the rebuilding of countries like Iraq and Afghanistan -- much less the democratic restructuring of an entire region like the Middle East."

Substitute "Europe" for the "the Middle East" in this passage and that's exactly what Stalin thought in 1945. Then, a much less powerful US proceeded to rebuild the entire continent and restructure it democratically, all the while holding off the communist menace. This people have no concept of history.

19 posted on 02/21/2005 4:03:37 PM PST by Former Proud Canadian (.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Ernest_at_the_Beach
"Only a unified Europe can endanger America's worldwide supremacy in the foreseeable future."

Of course they mean to use our military to build this power. I'm sorry, British guns will never again be pointed at our American friends. The idiot who wrote this line can go back to drinking out of his bottomless beer stein.

Regards, Ivan

20 posted on 02/21/2005 4:04:38 PM PST by MadIvan (One blog to bring them all...and in the Darkness bind them: http://www.theringwraith.com/)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first 1-2021-4041-6061-64 next last

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson