Comments on: Obama and France: another reset button

By: Daniel in Brookline

Daniel in Brookline — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 19:02:43 +0000

Oh, I think they like us. They even like President Obama.

But can they depend on us? That’s what’s on M. Sarkozy’s mind. For the first time since WWII, our European allies have reason to think we won’t protect them. With a growingly belligerent Russia on their doorsteps, that’s got to be scary.

It would be nice to hear something along the lines of “Thanks for protecting us for the past 64 years. We appreciate it, we really do. In fact, we’d actually like you to keep doing it. Please.”

I’m not holding my breath.

respectfully,
Daniel in Brookline

By: camojack

camojack — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 08:14:22 +0000

Is this the Obama who was supposed to make all of Europe like us? They like us well enough, for the most part. Seems they've gone sour on Obama, though... ;-)

By: Steve G

Steve G — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 18:57:50 +0000

If the Europeans can no longer rely on the USA to provide for their defense (say, from Iran, Russia, who knows), and they are clearly reluctant or unable, or both, to pay for their own defense, they are there for the taking. The Europeans, other than France, have marginalized themselves. The Nobel Peace Prize was clearly intended to induce Obama to pursue the same impotent path of peace (i.e., disarm). So, Sarkozy is rowing against the tide with only the one oar in the boat.

This is no longer a safe world.

By: nyomythus

nyomythus — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 00:33:41 +0000

Well Obama didn’t offer Sarkozy his daughters so… faux pas. What about Michelle? … ppppppppppppppppsh “She’s got lovely arms” translates to “She’s got a big nasty ass so diversion diversion diversion.”

By: expat

expat — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 21:08:59 +0000

This Obama may end up bringing to light some differences within the EU. The Germans are not overwhelmed by Obama’s fiscal policies either, but the FDP, party of the future foreign minister, Guido Westerwelle, is big on “diplomacy” a la Barry, international institutions, and human rights issues such as monitoring E-mails. Merkel is more of a don’t-upset-the-voters type who doesn’t like grandstanding, be it from Sarkozy or Obama. It will be fun to watch things unfold, especially since Europeans are just starting to note the discrepancy between Obama’s words and deeds.