We’ve had hundreds of comments sent in to our post on the NSA spying scandal, so it’s obviously something lots of you are interested in. It’s also an issue that might change how some of you vote in the European Parliament elections in May 2014 (or even how you vote in our own Debating Europe Vote 2014 right now!).
Two of the parties in the European Parliament that have been most active on this issue are the ALDE party of Liberal Democrats and the Greens, so we took some of your comments about the spying scandal to representatives from these parties to get a response.
One of your most common suggestions has been that the EU should retaliate for the spying by suspending or cancelling discussions with the US over a far-reaching trade agreement currently under negotiation – the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP). Jhonson, for example, sent us in a comment arguing that:
Europe should respond with first cancelling any US-EU trade negotations for the time being, then punish the United States of America for their actions. That would be the ideal response, but the [reason] why the EU does not want to respond so loudly is because the EU countries are doing the same thing.
We took this comment to Marietje Schaake, an MEP with ALDE – the group of Liberal Democrats in the European Parliament – and asked her to respond. As well as being heavily involved with issues related to digital privacy and data protection, Schaake is also the ALDE rapporteur on the TTIP negotiations. What would she have to say?
I’m sure that European intelligence agencies play a role in this field and cooperate with the USA and we will learn more and more about this. And so it is essential that we have a discussion about what it really means to be a democracy in times of a hyper-connected world where technologies – of which there are a disproportionate amount created by companies in the USA falling under American law – have such a powerful role to play on the global stage. And we have to be realistic about what that means, also for the protection of the fundamental rights and freedoms of our European citizens. So, I think that we are facing a very critical moment [in terms of] what it means to be a democracy and we have to do more to ensure democratic oversight, checks and balances over intelligence agencies and to make sure that there are no disproportionate measures taken in the name of security while compromising freedoms. And this is especially important online, because technologies develop very readily and democratic decision-making always lacks behind, so we have a lot of work to do to address the concerns that are justly raised by so many European citizens.
Which answers Jhonson’s comment about why EU countries might not be interested in retaliating, but it doesn’t address the question of whether or not the EU should suspend TTIP negotiations. To get a firm response, we took Jhonson’s question to Reinhard Bütikofer, co-chair of the European Greens. As well as the liberals, the Greens have been very active on the issue of the NSA spying scandal, so what would Bütikofer say?
My answer is: ‘No’. I don’t think that would be a smart idea. Because what we should do is use the negotiations to impress upon the Americans that we want to find an agreement with them on high-level data protection standards… Not talking to them will not change the reality. We have tried in the past to push forward negotiations with regard to what Europeans would want to see as a framework data protection agreement and the Americans have been dragging their feet for some time. Then there was an agreement that this agenda should be promoted in parallel with the TTIP negotiations. Now, if we stop talking, how are we going to promote the agenda that we want to see enacted? We cannot force the Americans to accept our expectations without talking to them. That’s why I think we should talk to them, but be equally clear we’re not going to budge, we’re not going to give in, this is the standard amd this is what they have to meet.
Which is a nice, direct response – but it also demonstrates just how divided MEPs are on this question. Monica Frassoni, the European Greens’ other co-chair, gave completely the opposite answer when responding to a question from Debating Europe reader James during the recent Green primaries hangout:
Well, I think that for the moment the most clever move that the European Union could make is to suspend the discussions and negotiations around the US-EU trade agreement. I think that there are enough reasons to do it, and in any case as Greens we are not really convinced that this is the best way to go on in [terms of] enhancing transatlantic relations because this would [impact] our own legislation in terms of environment, freedom, etc. So, I believe that this would be a very nice signal and perhaps less difficult than a no-spy treaty.
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What were you doing if I was spying in your Home?
Do the same with them!!!
From a moral perspective, It would make sense to use suspension of the talks as a punitive measure. It would be irresponsible to simply brush off the events as merely something that should be discussed among politicians. This spying scandal has affected everyone.
However what will the suspension of the talks bring? In reality it will bring nothing and that is the problem. Suspension of talks will not make US repent or suddenly mend its ways however it will leave EU without a sizable financial gain from the trade, potentially worth 0.5% of its annual GDP. As small as the number may seem, we are talking about economies of 28 countries so it does add up to a sizable amount.
This money will not fix all the economical problems we are facing, but it may jump start the ailing economies and help them begin generating money instead of only loosing it to inflation and interest rates. We need the boost that will not be followed by monthly repayments as we are well aware how unsustainable that is.
It is unpleasant for me to say this, but the trade talks should go on. EU will only loose if it stops now. Principles will not generate jobs and we all know those are in short supply across the continent. That said, I think there is some room for using the NSA situation as a leverage in the talks.
There will be no gains from trade. All of that is propaganda designed to fool you into supporting ‘more jobs being transferred to low wage countries’.
“Europe should respond with first cancelling any US-EU trade negotations for the time being, then punish the United States of America for their actions”
Yes like that will really scare America?
I think the expression is “cutting your nose off to spite your face”
Perhaps. But we all know they will do nothing. EU always been a puppet of USA.
Suspending is good. But not only because of spy allegations. It makes no sense a TTIP without first achieving a fully functioning internal markets for citizens in Europe in ALL sectors.
Politics is the art of realism. Act accordingly.
I suggest we get a grip on reality. Every country that has the finance and technology is spying on other countries. Let’s not pretend this is a case of the “big bad US picking on poor old Europe. We are equally as bad, we just haven’t been so publicly exposed (yet)
No, after all wasn’t the EU created to foster free trade in the first place?
Besides under new WTO laws such an inaction would be illegal and COSTLY.
Those EU countries that support such a measure are either idiotic OR have an ulterior negative agenda.
Why do the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership needs to be signed so badly? It seems to be cutting personal rights in health, freedom and other areas to increase investors rights.
Corporations want higher profits and send hundreds of thousands more jobs to low wage countries. That is why. This is also why they are bombarding us with nonsensical propaganda about the supposed (in reality non-existent) benefits for all of us.
There will however be no benefits for ordinary people.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7nlwL0GrDE0
Europe would be going against the will of their citizens if they sign up to this US-EU trade deal. Obviously as we have seen time and again when asked if Europeans want to have intensive farming and the import of produce of intensive farming the answer is a resounding no.
Why therefore would Europe’s politicians go ahead with a policy that is against the will and the health of the peoples they lead in what is called a ‘democracy.’
Are you unable to see the obvious decline of US citizens health with the onslaught of their farming practices? Why would you want to be forced to accept those imports into Europe? Are you mindless? Surely you don’t trust this bunch of smiling faces?
http://www.foeeurope.org/sites/default/files/foee_iatp_factsheet_ttip_food_oct13.pdf
Dealing with the USA as a a mutual partner is more dangerous than simply caving in to their uncontrolled surveillance practices. They will devour every aspect of our society and civilisation. Don’t be fooled by the faces of pretense. And don’t believe for one minute the so called protection we are supposedly getting from this crew is free. Nothing comes free and especially not for corporate America. The two for one deal is as fake as it sounds.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1tAev6f8QeQ
Before any such a betrayal of Europe’s people this sell out of us all must be put to us in a citizens referendum. As to do this without consent is handing Europe over to the another power, the US corporate body. A sinister and far too powerful group to be involved with so closely. Especially when those who take the European lead are so obviously gullible.
Thank you Catherine!
no
…if we look logicaly at the situation we can see that USA and EU -the free democratic world always where and are a victoriuse team.as a team USA and EU-Europe unite Germany and freedom was generates accros all Europe ….now some computer guy -snowden acts like if he is the brain of NSA and all the secret cover ilegal operations and all sots of conspirations where know by him..and after years of working at NSA sudenly when FBI has arrested some spies snowden has sold the people of the free democratic world to China first and then Russia. But what he has sold? From where has snowden this informations? …Assange can be called an idealist but snowden is just a hypocrit and a lier set of generating chaos and confusion and snowden trys to brake the greatest team in History -USA-EU. A free trade agreement will bring prosperity and jobs to all people from USA and EU but many do not want this to happend.i realy hoppe that with wisdom a comon inquiry team USA-EU will investigate this snowden atacks and come to a logical democratic conclusion becose oin this times we have to be a team as our grand parents where.
domnule Victor, esti un dobitoc. n-ai inteles nimic. du-te si dormi mai departe….
Does anyone really believe that countries don’t spy on each other?
No. But there is spying in a normal sence and there is spying where the will to use good faith in the worse possible way is used. The first needs counter espionage and the second needs counter espionage mixed with lots of information.
We could use it as an argument definitely to either scrap this deal which is bad for the ordinary citizens, or modify it at least.. This deal will bring a lot of what is bad in the US in Europe on workers rights, GMO and social security, if we let it pass without the right argumentation and involvement from citizen groups and lobbies..
NO !
I think the EU should pursue its interests and, if have an interest in such agreement not to be bound by the spy scandal, and if not, to refuse negotiations and so.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImkzTz6eeNI
Tell me this, do European leaders really believe the USA wants to ‘share’ wealth’ with Europe? And if they do believe that, why do they believe it? Has the US ever given any sign they are into wealth sharing? Isn’t the reverse the truth? Hasn’t the actions of US international policy always, without fail, been to usurp, divide and rule any connection it has with the worlds nations?
Why would the USA want to move into a trade agreement with Europe other than to reduce their fear of possible European political power?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9C6s3bFs_TU
And what is the next move after Obama leaves office? He is a second term President, he has nowhere to go from here. Who will be the follow up? Does Europe want to be completely in the pocket of US corporate power and become outright lackeys? If the leaders want that, the people of Europe certainly do not.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFuWZgDCbDg
I wonder what our Mr Farage’s view is on this? He is so ardently against the UK being part of the EU, what is his view on Europe should there be this US takeover? How quiet he is on that.
Could it be Farage is used as a threat of a UK referendum to pull us out of the EU and is, in essence, a joint US-UK threat to force Europeans into a trade deal? Thereby creating the pace for a complete US corporate take over of everything from Europe’s utilities to agricultural produce as well as it’s currency? Not to forget the Chinese contingent on currency holdings. Just thinking aloud!
@Catherine Benning
You forgot to mention the ‘little green men’ amongst your blithering and blathering musings.
ALL competent and vigilant nations spy on each other – indeed the likes of Germany [and its Nazi and Stasi past] and France [Mers-el-Kébir in WW2 and still paying ransoms to terrorists CURRENTLY] NEED to be spied on given their ‘colourful’ pasts and in the case of France its colourful ‘present’.
If the EU doesn’t set up a MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL FTA [involving NEGOTIATION with the USA] then the West (NAFTA and the EU) will suffer in the long run as the trade agenda will be set by other trading blocs and the resultant road map may prove far worse than what you have bizarrely envisaged.
@Catherine Benning
Who said anything about sharing? This is business, no altruism is involved. It is not an agreement on giving some wealth to us but a a trade agreement. I am not entirely sure where you are going with this. Obviously US is not sharing, it wants a deal that will benefit it and so does EU put the two together and we arrive where we are today.
And what if Obama is not there next term? Let us be honest, all this NSA debacle has been happening with him in office. His presence or lack of it will make no difference. He provided criticism but very little action to tackle the situation so he is less relevant than you make it out to be. Furthermore, you claim they are afraid of our power. If so, then why should we fear of them if we are such a growing political entity? We will resist.
You conspiracy theories are…worrying…First of all, Britain is not going anywhere. We already heard statements from major financial groups about relocating in case of an EU exit by Britain. Financial sector is the lifeblood of this country. Be free or economically strong. Guess which will win? Don’t worry, there will be no EU-UK conglomerate that will take over the world. You make US sound like the Illuminati that will just take what they want. Luckily, rule of law is still strong and, again, if we are a growing power-house and people don’t want to ‘become puppets’ of US, as you so claim, I am sure they will rise against it will a respectable level of success.
@Darius:
What exactly is it you mean when you write, ‘you don’t know where I’m going with this’? Where do you feel I’m going with it and why is that possibility a worry you? Where exactly are you going? You sound like some kind of US shill. Or, a shill of Corporate takeover who fears the opposition to your hopes will somehow hit home reducing a bonus you had in the offing. Your remarks thereby confirming the need for caution as I must have scored hard with some truth you fear being exposed.
A US-EU trade agreement is not what it is being presented as, there is far more to the deal than meets the eye and that is being hidden in a shady corner somewhere. Most of all it is not in the best interests of the European ordinary people. It opens us up to further corporate exploitation. In fact it enables the corporate take over of our entire economy.
This forum is an invitation to European citizens to offer their views on matters posed. I offer mine just as you are offering yours. My view opposes yours what is the big deal in that? Only those who fear the truth will out get so excited about open debate.
I don’t see the US as a trustworthy trading partner. Not on any level. Their produce is inferior to our own and contaminated with a variety of chemicals and hidden practices which are unhealthy as well as unnecessary. An agreement with them will create barriers to our independent political motives as well as blocking us from expanding in the way best suited to our European aims. It will lower EU standards. It will create discord within our borders and give the US more opportunity to divide our social cohesion and principles in business matters. It will also lead to enormous pressure to dispel and disregard our commitment to the social chapter in the Human Rights Act. All deeply important to the standard of living expectations of the European people. The US has a third world attitude to the human condition, which is despised on this continent. Poverty and its acceptance of it permeating every ethos we currently embrace. And before long, the rest of Europe would be enveloped by the same kind of political corporate propaganda we are now suffering in the UK. Our UK ties are already too closely entwined with treacherous US lobbyists of every kind, the ones which brought down the world economic system with a vengeance. And which continues, regardless of the chaos created.
There is life without the USA and Europe needs to dwell on that. Not further embrace a corporate machine that knows no limits to destruction of peoples and to the democracy they pretend to uphold.
http://corporateeurope.org/trade/2013/05/open-door-gmos-take-action-eu-us-free-trade-agreement
@Darius
The financial groups you mentioned are the same ones that said that the UK would wither if it did not adopt the Euro, these are the same financial groups that got the UK and indeed the RoW into this crisis in the first place.
‘Finance’ and indeed ‘Business’ per se are not the best yardsticks when it comes to the good of the [UK] nation.
That being said, the EU should endorse a US-EU trade deal, if it doesn’t the UK should ‘jog on’ from the EU and sanction a similar deal with the US.
@DebatingEurope
In addition to listing an MEP’s EU party, why don’t you list an MEP’s country of representation as well please?
A espionagem sempre existiu no mundo moderno e irá continuar a existir eu creio que não a UE e os EUA irá continuar as negociações do comercio porque a Parceria de Comercio e Investimento Transantlatico precisa de ser asssinado
@Eusebio Manuel Vestias Pecurto
Well said!
The TTIP should not happen to begin with. It is designed to benefit the rich and corporations. Unemployment will go up as hundreds of thousands more jobs will be shipped to low wage countries, the middle class will be futher gutted and poverty will continue to go up, as it has done with every one of those ‘free trade’ deals since 1992.
Is there anyone here that actually buys all this BS propaganda about the TTIP how it will magically create massive economic ‘growth’? It will do nothing of the kind!
Plus, the US wants to use the TTIP to attach riders to it like ACTA/SOPA/PIPA and GMO legalization which democratic processes in countries reject but would then become law because of EU negotiatiors conspiring with the US to make corporations richer at our expense (which is exactly what TTIP will do).
of course or do you trust someone who does everything to destroy your privacy
that is why we should not sign the deal!! http://eblanademocraticmove.blogspot.ie/2013/11/an-interview-with-paul-murphy-mep-on.html
NO! Politics shouldnt be made based on headlines. EU and US have a lot more to gain together …besides europeans are hypocrites, because most of the country’s not only knew they helped. And if it’s wrong, witch by the way..i think it is…we should resolve that and make the deal anyway, we have a lot more to gain…and make no mistakes…everybody spies!!
No EU should not abort the trade agreements, but certainly not haste it. No one should leave with the lion´s share.
In the long run, we will benefit from common standards etc with the US. But the EU should review itself and take an outside look at both the EU and the US. The EU are at an earlier stage now. We still think somehow provincial and look continental when the US embrace the globe. Its the result of unprogressive integration. Some countries even act as if US in some degree is in Gods position. The American cinematic industri is both amusing and propagandistic. We are well in the 100th year of this entertaining “indoctrination “. Frankly I could not live without it, but the fear is that some decision makers or public editors are unaware of the impact on the mind, it might have done. They miss the picture of a reality of tomorrow that they can contribute to. One with more poles and one with everyone in a participating role. Not just a cheering and hoping role.
There are numerous dangers to this agreement, eg:
1. Negotiators who are in some way feeling depedent on US and have no imaginable picture of a free united Europe at even level with US.
2. Lack of experience. US are top tuned to this. They have done this before, think in centuries when we think in decades and use alternative methodes in every aspect, blended in with beautiful talks of freedom, democracy, prosperity, and dignity.
3. Technology. As I believe that we can´t succeed without our own strategic technology production, it is too early to make a binding agreements to these technologies. We must be independent on the internet and the hardware that belongs to it. But it can first be achived financially after political integration and the following cost reductions.
4. Geopolitics. Halford J. Mackinder stated the geopolitical doctrins that have been ruling US and GB initiatives over the last 100 years. They will in no way celebrate an increased cooperation, trade or freindship within the whole of Europe. They will use smart methods to build invisible walls through out the pivot area* (heartland). This tradeagreement could be just another wall if we are not cautious.
Success breeds success. After the second world war every good deed done by the US has been trumpeted high and loud. Not always have the oppesit been the case. This media treatment often is adverse when it comes to third parties or foreign countries. The self-assertiveness has had an tremendous impact since most medias are run by the US or close allies. Often double standards are the standard. This positive treatment has burned a picture on our retina that is hard to abstract from. It is especially hard to prove anything when the media either drowns, conceals or attacks with much weight. Often only hazy evidence in large numbers give some suspecion. Over time it makes quite a historical record which should be taken into consideration, even without the smoking gun. Of all the agreements I have read about, between the US and somebody else, never have one given me the thought that this time, they did poor for them selves.
The US is in a league that can bring competition into this Union we are not prepared for at the moment. EU are at a point where we have build the factory, hired the employees, bought the commodity and lubricated the maschinery. With all the expences payed, we can start the maschines. At this moment we have no clear view. Therefore I suggest that what ever we agree on with the US, let it be temporary and renegotiable. (If we do not build our own industri for the internet – soft and hardware – we can as well outsource our intelligence agencies to the US and at the same time try to sell our compagnies to china. They will anyway be outmaneuvered.) The agreement should include clauses that makes this leapfrogging possible in the future.
We are on the verge of something big I believe and US are eager to sign a deal fast. They think it too. Lets take the time it takes to make a good deal for all parties.
Concerning the heartland doctrin, we should be realistic and look at the map again. I dont think we can afford to be sour with Russia. Heartland is right here. If somebody has a large kitchen, the one with the smaller one should not have the say to divide it into pieces!
* For those who dont know, pivot area or heartland is the fertile area of the combined landmass of Europe and Eurasia, with a center somewhere in Ukraine and the size of russia or larger. It is believed that if heartland cooperates, or even unites, it will be second to none. Strategic moves for a long time done by US and GB has been and still are to prevent this to happen.
@Morton Lund:
You are living in a dream world if you believe Europe will benefit from a pact with the USA. We will simply be fodder for their oppressive demands.
And the lions share you speak of, is one share only, and that lion is going to set it up so that he receives the full portion. The US does not share. It’s because of small minded gullibility of the kind you put forward here, the US is able to run amok with those who hang onto it like ignorant sheep.
And what will you suggest doing if it doesn’t work out the way you expected, once you are tied in with it? Think of it as the Mafia, or, Cosa Nostra, do they set you free once they have you in their club?
You are being naive.
Look at how the ordinary American is living today. If they will not save their own from that downward spiral, why on earth do you believe we will benefit from partnering them? What do you really believe you will be getting as an individual, a community or society?
http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/business/2013/07/28/americans-poverty-no-work/2594203/
If you want to improve your standard of living you do not choose a down and out for a spouse. For, if you take on the down and out, you simply inherit his/her debt as your own. Pushing you further into the mire.
Use your head.
These “talks” should be cancelled in any case. We all have something to llose in this kind of stupid agreement.
@ Catherine Benning
First of all, when “take the time it takes” and “certainly not haste it” is in the start and end of my statement, it is because years is expectet. I would have written that this agreement is times 10 to the constitution (maybe a little less), which should emerge via the time it should take to end. I also wrote: “Therefore I suggest that what ever we agree on with the US, let it be temporary and renegotiable.” And I stress that they are in a nother leaque than the EU and that the EU is not ready yet.
But the world want to act now, and as the second best option besides an army of hardcore euro lawyers, is mandatory renegotiations in specified time frames, and limited validity. Further there should be public debates, extended monitoring of the paticipant (bribe surveillance) and everything else that comes into ones mind, to hinder the lions share problem. Luckly we got Snowden. That helps the imagination a bit.
About this american living – I am not a communist, and I will rather be poor in a rich country, than in a poor.
The EU got the time, the US got everything else.
In a rich country you can dead in a street, in apoor country you will find probable more solidarity…
@ FLUCAS
What country are you from? I think it is extremely rare that somebody dies in the street because of missing shelter or food, either by official or by chruch organisations. Often people who die are traumatized thru mind, drugs, suicidal person or other are in a position that is not posible to help with out using force. You might have to arrest the person to help him. That is not legal. Who seeks help, will mostly find something. Please take a walk in a dense populatet poor countrys slum. Besides diseases, you will find no future. But you are right, who is well might sing and dance and play durms. There is not much else to do.
In a rich well organized contry the youth gets education and posibilities, and hopefully a great union to fight for.
If communism is your answer, they have to prove that it works!
I am living in France, which is assumed to be a developped country, and every winter people live in the streets or in their car (for those who are Lucky enough to have one), even those who have a job and not enough money to get a proper shelter… and every winter the number of dead people in the Streets increases… this happens also in Paris… one reason being that there are not enough emergency locations for poor people, and those are very often isolated… so I don’t know where you are living, but be certain that this happens as well in the US and in Canada.
@ FLUCAS
Sorry to hear. I have meet 2 persons and spend time with them. One i Germany and one i Denmark. This is not suffiecient to generalize anything. But here is what I learned. The one in Germany was homeless i a small town and lived in the woods. He was angry because he was fired and found it unfairly. He would not take help until this problem was treated. The one i Denmark would not take welfare because he would be asked to work some. He said that it would destroy labourunion agreement. Both men could get help but choose to risk their lift for their personal position.
@FLUCAS
That will only get worse once the TTP or whatever it is called, is signed.
The rich and the corporations want this, gee I wonder why. Could it be they want to move hundreds of thousands more jobs to low wage countries?
Well I think we should negotiate privacy to EU citizens first. Like the constitution says and then make trade deals.
Everytime i read a comment of a Brit–>”ALL competent and vigilant nations spy on each other – indeed the likes of Germany [and its Nazi and Stasi past] and France [Mers-el-Kébir in WW2 and still paying ransoms to terrorists CURRENTLY] NEED to be spied on given their ‘colourful’ pasts and in the case of France its colourful ‘present’.”
At this point i m getting to the moral obligation that we Germans would probably be better of if we get ourselfes some nukes and stick with the Russians and Chinese.Anglo-Americans allways think they have the moral obligation to bring justice to the world via death from above,like their zeus or thor or somebody^^
Well, if EU, because of this “scandal”, suspends conversations with USA , in order to get a deal on a commerce treaty between those two sides of the Atlantic, it wouldn’t be a good decision. The diplomatic ties between EU and USA are much too strong to be broken (they’re allies in OTAN), and I believe that a few more hours of conversations between EU and USA will be enough to make sure that all those issues are to be surpassed.
Every men and women that believe in democracy have to believe that loyalty to diplomacy is the best way to solve these kind of problems.
Well, if EU, because of this “scandal”, suspends conversations with USA , in order to get a deal on a commerce treaty between those two sides of the Atlantic, it wouldn’t be a good decision. The diplomatic ties between EU and USA are much too strong to be broken (they’re allies in OTAN), and I believe that a few more hours of conversations between EU and USA will be enough to make sure that all those issues are to be surpassed.
Every men and women that believe in democracy have to believe that loyalty to diplomacy is the best way to solve this kind of problems.
They should not be able to have the right to be spying you otherwise it doesn’t feel like a free world.
The TTIP should be stopped, the USA and the EU think very differently about what is healthy food and sustainability. Further on companies will be able to sue governments if they do things for sustainability. The EU will loose control and democracy will be endangered…
Should the EU suspend US trade talks over spy allegations?
I’m against suspension all the way if you ask me. U.S. attention was exactly on the person who was asking for it. And Thank God for that, because events like the ones in Ukraine could degenerate into something much worst for all of us.
With a dubious communist past, a neocon par excellence, she was Putin’s best friend and business partner. She has a name, surprise ! it’s Angela Merkel. How should I call the friend of my enemy ? Friend or Enemy ? It’s unbelievable how naive, lacking rapid response and unprepared for the worst, most european nations are. Usually the attacks against you are coming when you least expect it. We should be thankful to United States because they point us the weak link, instead we ask ourselves if to sanction them or not, like they care about it… get serious.
No, everybody is watching everybody and everybody knows it. I feel that the reactions coming through the media are just for the show and nobody actually cares.