This - from a British publication - needed writing . We may not all
agree about the admission of Turkey into the EU but then we are not
all happy at being in the EU ourselves. But the European attitude to
America generally is deplorable. Europe has a perpetual begging bowl
not far out of sight but while prepared to ‘take’ it is reluctant to
‘give’ or 'help' either in economics or defence.
The real trouble is that the Europeans have not forgiven the Anglo-
Saxons for liberating them.
xxxxxxxxxxxxx cs
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AMERICA in the WORLD 6.4.09
(via Conservative Home Blog)
Bush has gone, Obama is here, but Europe still says no
"And so it was that Barack Hussein Obama visited Europe. In London,
he rescued the world economy. In Strasbourg, he healed the Nato
alliance. In Prague, he rid the world of nuclear weapons. In Ankara,
he reconciled Islam and the west. And on the seventh day, he got back
on to Air Force One and disappeared into a cloudless sky. Was it all
a dream? I fear so."
- Gideon Rachman in the Financial Times
"Europe listens with shining eyes, it mobs him in its thousands and
claps and cheers – but when he says it's time they shared a bit more
of the burden, they stare at their shoes."
- Janet Daley in The Daily Telegraph
Although Barack Obama has been greeted with adoring crowds in EVERY
European capital, the warmth has not translated into tangible policy
results.
European nations have made no long-term additional commitments to
Afghanistan and very few combat troops. Only Britain is ready to
increase its commitment of frontline forces - a reminder to the
American President of the special relationship.
France and Germany vetoed the President's hope for a more
expansionary fiscal policy from Europe.
France and Germany also poured cold water on President Obama's hope
for a speedy accession of Turkey into the European Union.
In Ankara yesterday Mr Obama set out the case for accession:
"The United States strongly supports Turkey's bid to become a member
of the European Union. (Applause.) We speak not as members of the EU,
but as close friends of both Turkey and Europe. Turkey has been a
resolute ally and a responsible partner in transatlantic and European
institutions. Turkey is bound to Europe by more than the bridges over
the Bosphorous. Centuries of shared history, culture, and commerce
bring you together. Europe gains by the diversity of ethnicity,
tradition and faith -- it is not diminished by it. And Turkish
membership would broaden and strengthen Europe's foundation once more.
Now, of course, Turkey has its own responsibilities. And you've made
important progress towards membership. But I also know that Turkey
has pursued difficult political reforms not simply because it's good
for EU membership, but because it's right for Turkey.
In the last several years, you've abolished state security courts,
you've expanded the right to counsel. You've reformed the penal code
and strengthened laws that govern the freedom of the press and
assembly. You've lifted bans on teaching and broadcasting Kurdish,
and the world noted with respect the important signal sent through a
new state Kurdish television station.
These achievements have created new laws that must be implemented,
and a momentum that should be sustained. For democracies cannot be
static -- they must move forward. Freedom of religion and expression
lead to a strong and vibrant civil society that only strengthens the
state, which is why steps like reopening Halki Seminary will send
such an important signal inside Turkey and beyond. An enduring
commitment to the rule of law is the only way to achieve the security
that comes from justice for all people. Robust minority rights let
societies benefit from the full measure of contributions from all
citizens."
President Obama leaves Europe having restored a continent's warmth
for America. His challenge in the remainder of his Presidency is to
translate that popular sympathy into practical solidarity.
Max Hastings, writing in the Daily Mail, believes that that will be
much easier when the American economy is motoring again: "Once the
U.S. is back doing what it does best, providing the engine and
inspiration for the world's economic growth, much else will become
possible." We shall have to see if Mr Hastings is right. Bush was
the excuse for European indifference. Now the excuse is the
economy. At some point Europe will run out of excuses.
AMERICA in the WORLD 6.4.09
(via Conservative Home Blog)
Bush has gone, Obama is here, but Europe still says no
"And so it was that Barack Hussein Obama visited Europe. In London,
he rescued the world economy. In Strasbourg, he healed the Nato
alliance. In Prague, he rid the world of nuclear weapons. In Ankara,
he reconciled Islam and the west. And on the seventh day, he got back
on to Air Force One and disappeared into a cloudless sky. Was it all
a dream? I fear so."
- Gideon Rachman in the Financial Times
"Europe listens with shining eyes, it mobs him in its thousands and
claps and cheers – but when he says it's time they shared a bit more
of the burden, they stare at their shoes."
- Janet Daley in The Daily Telegraph
Although Barack Obama has been greeted with adoring crowds in EVERY
European capital, the warmth has not translated into tangible policy
results.
European nations have made no long-term additional commitments to
Afghanistan and very few combat troops. Only Britain is ready to
increase its commitment of frontline forces - a reminder to the
American President of the special relationship.
France and Germany vetoed the President's hope for a more
expansionary fiscal policy from Europe.
France and Germany also poured cold water on President Obama's hope
for a speedy accession of Turkey into the European Union.
In Ankara yesterday Mr Obama set out the case for accession:
"The United States strongly supports Turkey's bid to become a member
of the European Union. (Applause.) We speak not as members of the EU,
but as close friends of both Turkey and Europe. Turkey has been a
resolute ally and a responsible partner in transatlantic and European
institutions. Turkey is bound to Europe by more than the bridges over
the Bosphorous. Centuries of shared history, culture, and commerce
bring you together. Europe gains by the diversity of ethnicity,
tradition and faith -- it is not diminished by it. And Turkish
membership would broaden and strengthen Europe's foundation once more.
Now, of course, Turkey has its own responsibilities. And you've made
important progress towards membership. But I also know that Turkey
has pursued difficult political reforms not simply because it's good
for EU membership, but because it's right for Turkey.
In the last several years, you've abolished state security courts,
you've expanded the right to counsel. You've reformed the penal code
and strengthened laws that govern the freedom of the press and
assembly. You've lifted bans on teaching and broadcasting Kurdish,
and the world noted with respect the important signal sent through a
new state Kurdish television station.
These achievements have created new laws that must be implemented,
and a momentum that should be sustained. For democracies cannot be
static -- they must move forward. Freedom of religion and expression
lead to a strong and vibrant civil society that only strengthens the
state, which is why steps like reopening Halki Seminary will send
such an important signal inside Turkey and beyond. An enduring
commitment to the rule of law is the only way to achieve the security
that comes from justice for all people. Robust minority rights let
societies benefit from the full measure of contributions from all
citizens."
President Obama leaves Europe having restored a continent's warmth
for America. His challenge in the remainder of his Presidency is to
translate that popular sympathy into practical solidarity.
Max Hastings, writing in the Daily Mail, believes that that will be
much easier when the American economy is motoring again: "Once the
U.S. is back doing what it does best, providing the engine and
inspiration for the world's economic growth, much else will become
possible." We shall have to see if Mr Hastings is right. Bush was
the excuse for European indifference. Now the excuse is the
economy. At some point Europe will run out of excuses.
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