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Ali
02-22-2005, 07:41 AM
Bush on European charm offensive (http://www.itv.com/news/1808073.html)
7.38PM, Mon Feb 21 2005

President George W Bush is attempting to repair relations with Europe following the US invasion of Iraq.

Mr Bush is in Brussels where has met European Union heads and dined with the French President Jacques Chirac, a bitter opponent of the conflict.

However, France and the US are now indicating that they want to improve their relationship.

US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice paved the way two weeks ago when she made a whistle-stop tour of key EU capitals, Nato and the European Commission.

During a wide-ranging keynote speech on foreign policy in the Belgian capital, Mr Bush said that Syria must now end its occupation of Lebanon.

Mr Bush and Mr Chirac issued a joint statement calling for a Lebanon "free from foreign domination".

They said: "We urge full and immediate implementation of UN Security Council resolution 1559 in all its aspects, including its call for a sovereign, independent and democratic Lebanon as well as for the consolidation of security under the authority of a Lebanese government free from foreign domination."

Their statement was billed as a reconciliation after two years of bitter differences over Iraq.

Mr Bush had earlier delivered another warning to Iran over its nuclear programme.

Iran earlier reiterated that it would not bow to US and European demands that it abandon uranium enrichment, stressing that its nuclear capability is "not for sale".

And the US leader said Russia must renew its commitment to democracy, urging that the US and the EU put reform at the heart of their dialogue with Moscow.

President Bush arrived in Brussels last night amid unprecedented security for two days of meetings with EU and Nato leaders, including a royal rendezvous with Belgium's King Albert.

Around 2,500 police officers, 1,000 more than are usually deployed for such summits in the Belgian capital, have been brought in.

An alliance of 88 environmental, human rights, peace and other groups have planned protests near the US Embassy later and near the EU headquarters tomorrow.

The website of the Stop Bush alliance accuses the US leader of crimes against humanity, saying he undermines international law and is an obstacle to the fight against global warming.

Mr Bush's aim is to convince a sceptical European audience that he does wish to win friends and influence people - even those who still resent his invasion of Iraq.

He is carrying the message that the EU - not just Britain - is considered to be a key ally and is being listened to and respected over foreign policy.

The message will be reiterated tomorrow at a Nato summit and separately at a meeting of EU leaders later that day.

He will have an informal lunch with the 26 Nato leaders - speaking fourth in the protocol order, behind President Chirac and the Polish and Latvian leaders.

Mr Bush will emphasise that the European allies must pull their financial as well as military weight in joint peace-keeping and humanitarian missions under the Nato umbrella.

On Wednesday, the US President will hold talks with German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder. So that's what he's doing here. Come to beg the EU for help.

And causing huge traffic problems as well, no doubt.

I'd like to see what EU countries get in return for sending soldiers. Oil contracts? Construction tenders? I doubt it.

"Hey Jackuse, sorry about all that "Freedom Fries" stuff, just kidding. Please send French soldiers to get killed protecting our oil wells and make yourself a target for Islamic Extremists. We want to invade Iran and Syria."

"You can come and help us there later, once we've turned the population into raving maniacs, who'll kill any foreigners they see."

If Chirac sends troops to Iraq under anything other than UN direction, he'll be committing political suicide here. Bush's wasting his time if he thinks NATO's the Magic Bullet the US needs to get out of the quagmire they've rushed into.

Edit: Maybe he's going to pop over to Amsterdam and sample some of the local Produce?

ms.peachy
02-22-2005, 07:48 AM
True. But, you can't have things both ways, you know? You can't castigate him for acting unilaterally, and then again when he attempts to mend alliances. What should he do, not come to Europe, ever, and just keep acting in a vaccuum and pretending the rest of the world doesn't matter?

The only way to ensure that European leaders have a greater share in the conversation (and, ultimately, more influence) is to get him off his home turf and have to deal with the Chiracs and the Schroeders face to face. Much as I hate the miserable bastard, the fact that the need to save face has been implicitly acknowledged is a (itsy bitsy, teensy weensy) step forward.

Qdrop
02-22-2005, 07:56 AM
True. But, you can't have things both ways, you know? You can't castigate him for acting unilaterally, and then again when he attempts to mend alliances. What should he do, not come to Europe, ever, and just keep acting in a vaccuum and pretending the rest of the world doesn't matter?

The only way to ensure that European leaders have a greater share in the conversation (and, ultimately, more influence) is to get him off his home turf and have to deal with the Chiracs and the Schroeders face to face. Much as I hate the miserable bastard, the fact that the need to save face has been implicitly acknowledged is a (itsy bitsy, teensy weensy) step forward.

agreed.
take what you can get....

Ali
02-22-2005, 08:01 AM
True. But, you can't have things both ways, you know? You can't castigate him for acting unilaterally, and then again when he attempts to mend alliances. What should he do, not come to Europe, ever, and just keep acting in a vaccuum and pretending the rest of the world doesn't matter?

The only way to ensure that European leaders have a greater share in the conversation (and, ultimately, more influence) is to get him off his home turf and have to deal with the Chiracs and the Schroeders face to face. Much as I hate the miserable bastard, the fact that the need to save face has been implicitly acknowledged is a (itsy bitsy, teensy weensy) step forward.I take your point, Ms. P, he is finally acknowledging the existence of the Rest of the World; but it seems to me he's come here to help further American interests at the expense of the EU. He didn't need any help when he started his war, he gave the finger to the UN when some of the EU members wanted concrete proof before they invaded and now he's going to try to drag the EU into the same sort of trouble in Iran and Syria. Iraq was a walk in the park compared with Iran, they are very, very well-armed and are hardened from many years of war. They will not be easy to beat. Things are going to get very messy indeed, if they get invaded and I bet you the US is trying to get the EU involved so that they can call for help later.

The French know only too well what happens when you mess with Arabic countries. They got their asses kicked all the way back to Paris by the Algerians and then spent decades being terrorised. There's no way they're going to risk that again. Ditto Russia and Afghanistan. Watch this space. Bush's going to have a very tough time getting EU members to join him on his crusade (following St George off to do battle with the Unholy Savages in the East).

It will be interesting to watch.

ms.peachy
02-22-2005, 09:10 AM
Bush's going to have a very tough time getting EU members to join him on his crusade

As well he should. But it does seem to be far better to me that he should be engaged, however querulously, with Europe than cloistered in the US going "Fuck 'em, I'll do what I want". It's high time he started doing a bit of ass kissing.

ASsman
02-22-2005, 09:56 AM
Wait, wait, wait.. So it's not the EU responsibility to stop him, only when he comes to visit should they care? Or maybe Im misunderstanding what you all are saying. The only way I will trust ANYTHING Bush does, is if I see the end results. Until then this is more horseshit to me, why would he be putting himself in this position to "step forward". I smelt a rat.

ms.peachy
02-22-2005, 10:03 AM
Or maybe Im misunderstanding what you all are saying.

What I'm saying is it is better for him to be in Europe talking with other world leaders, than it is for him to not be in Europe and not talking with other world leaders. Because a) we can't go back in time and b) nothing will improve with more of the same.

That's all. It's not like I have huge great hopes that everything's going to get better now or anything.

infidel
02-22-2005, 10:51 AM
bush has been proven to be the boy who cried wolf over and over, I find it highly doubtful the rest of the world will ever trust him again.

Echewta
02-22-2005, 12:27 PM
I think those who were given a cold shoulder by Bush during the events that led up to the Iraqi war should return the favor until he is out. Lots of crap was said that I wouldn't allow for forgiveness. Its not like Bush is going out to learn his lesson. He is going out to find help to make a horrible situation better.

Ace42
02-22-2005, 12:33 PM
I'd say a bailout from Europe would just give carte Blanche for gung-ho yank presidents of the future to do whatever the hell they want without having to worry about how their actions will look retrospectively. Sorry, USA, but you have to learn your lesson.

In other news:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/4288067.stm

That bridge building is going well.

SobaViolence
02-22-2005, 01:03 PM
i thought America's precious capitalism allowed for this kinda thing to happen...i mean america arms most of the region for the sole purpose of keeping China in check. Bush is full of shit.

Qdrop
02-22-2005, 02:01 PM
What's next? Paris!?!?!?!????

no, paris hates our freedom.




and our fries......

Ali
02-23-2005, 02:40 AM
In other news:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/4288067.stm

That bridge building is going well.I'm not at all happy about the EU lifting the arms embargo on China, but it's not as if the US is objecting on any other reasons than its own well-being, is it? "There is deep concern in our country that a transfer of weapons would be a transfer of technology to China," Mr Bush said.

He voiced a willingness to consider safeguard clauses, but he hinted that the US Congress could still take action against any move by the Europeans.

The EU imposed a ban on exports of military equipment to China in 1989, following the crackdown on democracy activists in Tiananmen Square.

The BBC's business reporter Mark Gregory says the Pentagon is worried that at some point it might be called upon to defend Taiwan from Chinese attack. Which is going to happen anyway, regardless; hence all the activity in the Middle East, it give the US forces bases from which to attack China from the West while they "defend" Taiwan in the South and use the Nooclear threat in North Korea as an excuse to build up military strength in South Korea to attack China from the East. Notice how all the "Axis of Evil" nations surround China? Coincidence? I think NOT!

Interesting to note that NATO has agreed to "train Iraqi forces". Does this "training" include holding the fort in Iraq while the US and Israel attack Iran and Syria. Will NATO then have to to train Syrian and Iranian forces while US forces attack China?"Europe and the United States are true partners," he told the Nato summit, urging more dialogue. pucker up, Georgie, baby.

infidel
02-23-2005, 07:58 PM
Our shit for brains leader actually is making mends with Chirac.
He went as far last night as calling his plate of mashed potatoes French Fries.
Really.
Junior reminds me of the kind of schoolyard bully who would apologize to your face then wait till you turn around to hit you in the back of the head with a brick.
Can't take your eyes off the little fucker or he'll take instant advantage.

SobaViolence
02-23-2005, 10:42 PM
I'm not at all happy about the EU lifting the arms embargo on China, but it's not as if the US is objecting on any other reasons than its own well-being, is it? Which is going to happen anyway, regardless; hence all the activity in the Middle East, it give the US forces bases from which to attack China from the West while they "defend" Taiwan in the South and use the Nooclear threat in North Korea as an excuse to build up military strength in South Korea to attack China from the East. Notice how all the "Axis of Evil" nations surround China? Coincidence? I think NOT!

Interesting to note that NATO has agreed to "train Iraqi forces". Does this "training" include holding the fort in Iraq while the US and Israel attack Iran and Syria. Will NATO then have to to train Syrian and Iranian forces while US forces attack China?pucker up, Georgie, baby.

for some reason, this makes a lot of sense..and it is disturbing. :(

Ali
02-24-2005, 05:47 AM
Our shit for brains leader actually is making mends with Chirac.
He went as far last night as calling his plate of mashed potatoes French Fries.
Really.
Junior reminds me of the kind of schoolyard bully who would apologize to your face then wait till you turn around to hit you in the back of the head with a brick.
Can't take your eyes off the little fucker or he'll take instant advantage. I read that Chirac spoke French throughout the meal, even though he speaks fluent English!

ASsman
02-24-2005, 07:56 AM
Duh, hes not happy. Bush has literally gone up to his face and went "NANER NANER! ! I DID, AND WHAT? PUNK ASS FRENCHY! Got fucking re-elected too nigga"

enree erzweglle
02-24-2005, 08:09 AM
At the gym, there are banks of TVs to watch and they're hooked up so that you can listen to them via radio. Whenever the news stations show footage of Bush--particularly since the start of his European tour--the TV-watching people in the gym let out a collective, painful-sounding groan. I guess I go to a fairly left-of-center gym. :) (Although I've belonged to this gym for 14 years and have never heard such pitiful-sounding, politically motivated grunts & groans before in reaction to what's being shown on the TV.)

My stomach turns every time I see W.