Bush In Europe

Posted By MJ

Bush Arrives In Europe. www.cnn.com 

NOTE: Below is a re-post of an open letter to Europe that I posted a few months ago. I think its importance is re-highlighted by Bush's visit.

On Sunday President Bush arrived in Brussels for his first foreign visit of his second term. The president’s visit was preceded last week by a much-needed visit and pep talk from Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. Historically, American presidents have always made Canada the host of their first official visit, even for a second term president. President Bush did not visit Canada in 2001 for his first state visit and rightly so he did not do it this time.

The fact that Bush is making Europe, and more specifically Brussels, his first foreign visit since his January inauguration demonstrably portrays the importance of mending trans-Atlantic relations. Much needs to be accomplished and though this one trip will not accomplish everything, it will set the framework for a process that is just as important as any domestic issue facing America.

It’s no secret that Bush is not a popular man in Europe. Most think he is a non-intellectual cowboy. Though that assumption may be true to a certain extent, Bush is the leader of the most powerful country in human history, and the president of the country that so unwearyingly brought Europe out of its darkest days. Europe, you are, like Iraq, a product of American interventionism and liberation.

Any high hopes for the president’s visit should probably be promptly put away. Even if everything goes accordingly, no quick visit by any American will fix the rift between Europe and America, and it’s not even clear if Europe wants a permanent settlement. It will take time and many more visits by diplomats on both sides to shorten the distance of the Atlantic. While in Europe, however, the Bush team will try to control as much of the situation as possible. The president will be strictly guarded and the crowds in attendance will be almost entirely handpicked. The idea of a town-hall meeting of sorts in Germany was quickly canceled. And the president will be carefully protected against any off-the-wall questions from the ultra-liberal, anti-Bush European press, or any journalist who might essentially ask a legitimate question. Doesn’t really sound all that different than being in America actually.

The most common topic, and the one that caused the biggest disagreement between the US and the EU, will be Iraq. I have differed with Bush about Iraq with many different circumstances. However, in no way do I think the European plan of do nothing and let’s all hug approach was right. Europe must recognize it’s role in this post 9/11 world and wake up from it’s slumber and Bush must recognize that his actions not only affect the 51% of voters who voted for him but also billions around the world.

This will be an interesting week and one of the more important of Bush’s second term.

Because of the focus on Europe and American relations, below I am re-posting my “An Open Letter to Europe From an American Democrat,” post from a few months ago. I think it still speaks volumes for the current situational understanding whether American or European.