[The Economist, U.K.]
Le Figaro, France
Thorns and All, Obama's Dialogue with Europe Has Begun
"The Americans are hearing the
laments of Europeans, who reproach them for being at the root of the global
banking crisis and not wanting to alter the rules of capitalism to prevent it
from happening again. Obama and his advisors retort that their urgency is
elsewhere and that above all, the economy must be revived before reform is
addressed."
Editorial by Pierre Rousselin
Translated By L. McKenzie
Zeiss
March 12, 2009
France - Le Figaro - Original Article
(French)
Between the United States and
Europe, the dialogue has resumed. It's a new genre of exchange not used during
the eight years of President George W. Bush.
The fact is that speaking to one
other more is good and doesn't exclude divergences in opinion. And although
President Obama is even more popular in Europe than he his at home, he wasn't
elected to offer gifts.
Emissaries are coming in
quick succession and contacts are multiplying. The Americans are hearing the
laments of Europeans, who reproach them for being at the root of the global
banking crisis and not wanting to alter the rules of capitalism to prevent it
from happening again Obama and his advisors retort that their urgency is
elsewhere and that above all, the economy must be revived before reform is
addressed. Boasting of the $787 billion he is injecting into the American
economy, the U.S. president denounces the timidity of Europe's revival plan.
The debate reveals ideological
divergences and contradictory interests. This is a discussion that we must have
- and fast - if the G20 summit to be held in London three weeks hence is to
serve any purpose.
To move forward, both sides will
have to take account of the constraints of his negotiating partner. Because he
failed to rally Republicans to his cause, Obama’s room to maneuver is narrow.
He will have the greatest difficulty getting them to accept a reduction of U.S.
sovereignty over their own financial institutions. As for the Europeans, they
cannot deepen their deficits with impunity. In particular, Angel Merkel is at
the mercy of the September elections. Supported by Nicolas Sarkozy, she must
show that she's fighting for true reform. As usual, Great Britain leans toward
the American side, in order to preserve its interests as a financial market and
stronghold.
The debate has begun. Let's
hope that enough progress can be made so that the G20 leads to something other
than a declaration of intention with no concrete effect.
Posted by WORLDMEETS.US
On many other issues, such as
Afghanistan, where disagreements remain, the dialogue is also enriched. The
search for a credible strategy is on. This is to be welcomed.
[The Economist, U.K.]
All this is taking place in
an atmosphere of seriousness and professionalism. The new style that prevails
in Washington was visible on the day Gordon Brown visited [the White House].
The British press was offended by the reserve shown by Barack Obama. There were
no hugs or slaps on the back. The discussion lasted 45 minutes and there was no
joint press conference. The American president obviously had a lot of work to
do that day.
If it were the days of George
W. Bush, Gordon Brown, Washington’s best ally and the first European to visit,
would have been entitled to visit at the ranch, or at least a weekend at Camp
David. With Obama, work comes first. He wasn't there for pleasantries; he
stayed highly concentrated, a real "pro."
America and Europe are in
crisis. With Obama, the dialogue will not be easy, but it will be productive.
At least, we must hope it will.
CLICK HERE FOR FRENCH VERSION
[Posted by WORLDMEETS.US March 14, 11:23pm]
