As Angela Merkel is leading in the polls in Germany, many in Europe are becoming uneasy (especially Chirac and company) about the prospects of an old world nation, once again swinging toward the conservative side of the spectrum. But before conservatives in this country chomp at the bit at the hope Germany will suddenly and miraculously convert to the American version of conservatism, one must realize that Europe's view of conservatism, is not the same.
Turning th EU into a counterweight to the U.S. was and still is a goal of Chirac, because he has failed to see what Ms. Merkel sees. And that is, the U.S. is not their enemy and needs no counter balance. The U.S. has plenty, already."Enough for her to tell Jacques Chirac in a visit to Paris on Tuesday that while she believes a strong French-German relationship is essential to Europe's success, the tandem won't re-emerge as a beacon unless it becomes more attractive and effective through economic reform - and abandons talk of turning the European Union into a counterweight to the United States. So say key Merkel advisers."
Honestly, we don't need German troops (or French troops for that matter). What we need is for France and Germany (as guided by Schroeder) to stop actively and maliciously undermining our efforts, in Iraq. Whether or not they supported the war, is irrelevent now. The fact remains, it is happening and it must be finished properly. A stable Iraq is certainly in Europe's best interests."But the message does not stop there. Chirac will also hear that a Christian Democrat-led government in Germany has no intention of sending troops to Iraq."
From what I read about Ms. Merkel, she understands that. The hope is, if she wins she can use her influence to help in other ways that do not involve sending troops. But more importantly she can stop the childish, passive-aggressive games that Chirac and Schroeder have been playing.
It hurts us minimally compared to how much it hurts Europe. And Ms. Merkel sees that, too.
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