Euros Try To Look United

The European Union attempt to send a unified message to Iraq today that complaince with the UN resolutions was mandatory. Schroeder from Germany immediately undercut the message by making it clear as far as he is concerned the Iraqi can take their time in complying. I guess that is what weasals are for. In the meantime, Chirac of France was putting on his mean face as he attempted to bully eastern European leaders who had signed a pro American letter. He threatened to exclude these countries from EU expansion. Even when they try to hide their animosity the Germans and French do a poor job of it. While the EU was able to paper over difference on the surface, the underlying problem keeps perculating up.

The NATO leaders also managed to act like they were approving help for Turkey. At that point the Turks say they need more time to approve basing of US troops. The question is, are they just trying to extort more money out of the US, or do they have some deal with the rejectionist states of Germany and France. That is quite a reward for the US after enormous effort was put into getting them defensive protection. This is not a way to nurture a long term relationship.

This shows how remote the possibility is for getting agreement on a UN resolution finding Iraq in further material breech of Resolution 1441. For the Germans and the French, an American attack on Iraq is an emotional issue, which means like a petulant child they are unlikely to compromise. At some point the adults will take action.

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