Powell seeks German gesture

The Times (U.K.) ^ | 05/16/03 | Roger Boyes

[Pokey78]

COLIN POWELL will today attempt to improve the “poisoned” relationship between Washington and Berlin.

The omens are not good. The German press is already discounting the Secretary of State as a political force.

“Even before the attacks in Riyadh, his trip was ill-starred,” Der Spiegel magazine said. “It is exposing his impotence, the loss of respect from allies, the crumbling of authority at home, the failure of his diplomacy, fractured doctrine, inner emigration — the man who is supposed to mend the broken porcelain of the trans-Atlantic relationship is himself damaged goods.”

Diplomats say that General Powell will use his talks with Herr Schröder and Joschka Fischer, the Foreign Minister, to point out ways in which Germany could mend relations. A heartfelt gesture — ideally support for a UN resolution lifting sanctions against Iraq — could ease tension. Germany may offer to act as a mediator between France and the US, which would probably anger Paris and receive a lukewarm response from Washington.

The Germans, concerned that bomb attacks have accompanied General Powell throughout his trip, have mounted a huge security operation for the 24-hour visit.

[Cicero]

Der Spiegel thinks that the bad relations are Powell's fault? What are they smoking?

[MeekMom]

"Euro-Trash"

[Arpege92]

Are we going to close US bases in Germany?

[Cicero]

I just noticed that last bit:

The Germans, concerned that bomb attacks have accompanied General Powell throughout his trip, have mounted a huge security operation for the 24-hour visit.

So now the bombings are Powell's fault too. Everywhere he goes, people get blown up! It wouldn't have anything to do with Muslims, I suppose.

[SamiGirl]

I don't get it. Powell is going to them instead of the other way around? After the UN fiasco and the German's deplorable behavior, Powell is extending an olive branch to Schroder and Fischer?

[dc-zoo]

Boy do we have a hand gesture for them.

[John Valentine]

What a joke these Germans are.

Anyone that knows a bit about the background of Joschka Fischer would have to have titanium gonads to describe the Foreign Minister of any other country as "damaged goods".

Fischer belongs in prison for his activites in direct support of the left wing terrorism of the sixties. Fischer has blood on his hands.

[GingisK]

Boy do we have a hand gesture for them.

I'm so sorry you beat me to this. ;-D

Arm and hand signals were always remarkably effective!

[SamiGirl]

You're absolutely right. Fisher does have blood dripping from his hands for that "little" incident in Vienna, I believe.

[VOA]

A heartfelt gesture — ideally support for a UN resolution lifting
sanctions against Iraq — could ease tension.

"Heartfelt" and Germans.
Talk about two words that don't get uttered in the same breath!

(and no flames...having probably about half of my genetic heritage from
Germany...I know what I'm talking about!)

[McGavin999]

Are these people pathetic or what? Damaged good? This is the Secretary of State of the country that just won a war in less time then ever before, freed an entire nation, and exposed the french and Germans for what they are, and they are calling HIM damaged goods.

Hey Germany! How's those unemployment figures coming?

[demkicker]

" don't get it. Powell is going to them instead of the other way around? After the UN fiasco and the German's deplorable behavior, Powell is extending an olive branch to Schroder and Fischer?"

I don't get it either. IMO, our State Department is in need of major overhauling. I'm in total agreement with Newt Gingrich when it comes to the State Department. Only those with blinders on will criticize his comments of late. Powell should not have gone to Syria. His non-impact visit is shamefull considering that all the terrorists storefronts are still open for business after Powell's photo-op with Assad. Newt also pointed out another bureaucratical State Dept 'drop the ball effort' for the lack of accomplishment in paving even one measly mile in Afghanistan since the war. Our State Department is downright disgraceful and puts our country and citizens worldwide in danger...

Don't get me wrong, I want Powell to succeed. It's just that the State Department needs some emergency surgery like the Defense Dept got. Making things right in the State Dept should be a top priority for this administration before things get too ugly.

[SamiGirl]

Far be it for me to understand our State Department. What exactly do these people do besides issue warnings to Americans around the world. Doesn't the President have the power to revamp it and get rid of these do-nothings or is that too hot politically to touch?

[Michael81Dus]

Hey Germany! How's those unemployment figures coming?

Too high to blame Schröder for that! It must have been Bushs fault!

Btw: how´s your search for WMD in Iraq? Nothing found yet? Awww!

Do your own business, then I don´t mind at all about Iraq!