Diplomatic observers predict Trans-Atlantic Ice Age
'Now We Don't Trust Him'
"This is a very serious problem for the trans-Atlantic relationship," said Heather Conley, director of the Europe program for the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington. "It will make Washington's work with Europe more difficult on a full range of issues, such as (the trans-Atlantic free trade agreement). Add this to a pre-election environment (in Germany) and the challenge becomes greater."
The revelations are "very awkward," agrees Charles Kupchan of Georgetown University. In the administration of President Bill Clinton, Kupchan was in charge of European issues on the National Security Council. Jack Janes, from the influential American Institute for Contemporary German Studies, says: "US Secretary of State John Kerry and possibly the president will have to address this publicly soon. They can't stall any longer."
A statement from German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Monday further indicated the volatility of the situation. "The monitoring of friends -- this is unacceptable, it can't be tolerated. We're no longer in the Cold War," the chancellor said through a spokesman. Merkel confirmed that she had already voiced her displeasure to the White House over the weekend and has demanded a full explanation
http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/trans-atlantic-relations-threatened-by-revelations-of-mass-us-spying-a-908746.html
FirstLight
(13,360 posts)isn't that what the 'defenders' have been saying here all this time?
oh, and we aren't supposed to be upset about it either because it's wrong to dissent about the direction of a Democratic Administration...
did I get that right, like a good Prole? :salute:
Warpy
(111,267 posts)The NSA and CIA have coexisted as a shadow government long enough. Our survival is going to hinge on curtailing their power to spy on citizens and allies, alike.
Remember Ollie North? He was NSA and nearly blew the gaffe on the whole thing with his "how DARE you mere Congressmen demand I testify?" attitude during the Iran-Contra hearings.
Between the hamfisted treatment of Evo Morales, including the bullying of European countries to divert his plane, and the worldwide listening program, this country has about had it as any sort of an ally to anyone.
The NSA should have been disbanded when its mission ended with the fall of the Eastern Bloc. Much of its personnel and function could easily have been absorbed by the CIA. It is tragic that Daddy Bush wouldn't do it.
pscot
(21,024 posts)to personally search Morales plane. The implications of that are mind blowing.
Warpy
(111,267 posts)I'd love to know who was giving orders. I doubt Obama was even in the loop.
pscot
(21,024 posts)I'd like to know what role Kerry played in this. I can't recall a comparable diplomatic fuck-up.
Warpy
(111,267 posts)until after it had occurred.
Obama's a smart man. I can't see him handling anything this stupidly.
R. Daneel Olivaw
(12,606 posts)If it had been Bush would you be saying the same thing?
Warpy
(111,267 posts)prior to the 2000 election. This is entirely consistent with his imperial style and I strongly suspect whoever was giving the orders was one of his appointees.
Myrina
(12,296 posts)n/t
R. Daneel Olivaw
(12,606 posts)Myrina
(12,296 posts)... Bush was just the folksy spokesmodel.
RobertEarl
(13,685 posts)It is a cold war our government is waging. And not just on our overseas friends, but on the average American citizen, too.
This spying government is a cold-hearted bastard.