The world, as they say, is steadily becoming smaller, as we are able to instantly connect with people from countless cultures around the globe. It is thus a bit counterintuitive that in such a small world the cultural divide between Europe and America would seem as large as it does today. Yet such a vast ocean was evoked yesterday, when Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld traveled around "Old Europe" to discuss the state of today's trans-Atlantic relations. Now more than ever we need to learn to work with our European allies to confront global threats and to ensure health and happiness that knows no borders.
Unfortunately, today's trans-Atlantic alliance is in sorry shape. The people of the European Union, especially those of the pre-expansion EU, look upon American actions and pronouncements with considerable unease. This puts leaders who are inclined to cooperate with the United States in the unenviable position of having to answer to a populace that strongly disapproves of the current American course (for a case study, see Italy). It is not that Europeans hate Americans; rather, the people of Europe dislike many American policies. Understanding the distinction is crucial to moving forward with a productive relationship.
For much of Bush's first term the nations of "Old Europe" (especially France and Germany) were treated with a degree of contempt usually reserved for dangerous regimes. Americans, while preparing to embark on a war now described as a war for democracy, were vehemently critical of a French Prime Minister who merely voiced the anti-war views of the French people. When most of Europe declined to send troops to help with the war effort, they were chided by American leaders for listening to the wishes of their own people. Ye hypocrites!
Today America finds itself a bit red in the face as the war effort in Iraq demands more time and effort than originally thought. Uncle Sam, in the form of Rumsfeld and Rice, finds himself walking hat in hand into Brussels looking for a bit of help on the ground. Let us hope that the experience of having to ask Europe for help in our Iraqi endeavor will teach this powerful nation not to forget its friends in the future.
Friends, after all, are exactly what America needs when facing down the global enemy of terrorism. We need the full cooperation of European intelligence services in order to track down those who may be plotting to do us and the Europeans harm. Iran is another area where we cannot be fully successful without embracing the trans-Atlantic alliance and working with its leaders. On these issues and many more the stakes are clear and high. It is for the good of America that we mend ties with our once-friends across the sea in order to ensure stability and peace for the entire world.
