Transatlantic Rift Eases as Germany Offers Support for Iraqi Rebuilding

Strategic Insights -

German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder pledged support for rebuilding Iraq after last Sunday's elections, marking a shift in European opposition to the US-led invasion. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice received the offer during her meeting with Schroeder in Berlin, signaling a potential easing of the transatlantic rift. Despite deep-seated differences, particularly on the issue of Iran, Rice and Schroeder expressed a desire to work together on regional issues.

Key Takeaways:

  • Germany, along with Russia and France, led international opposition to the Iraq war, but now offers to expand its role in rebuilding the country.
  • Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice met with German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder in Berlin, where they agreed to work together on issues from Iran to Israeli-Palestinian peace.
  • Rice downplayed suspicions that the US plans to overthrow the government in Iran, stating that a US attack "is simply not on the agenda at this point in time."
  • Germany trains Iraqi police and military personnel in the United Arab Emirates and is willing to expand these projects, despite its refusal to put troops in Iraq.
  • European fears about US action against Iran have been stoked by President Bush's criticism of the Iranian regime and Vice President Cheney's comments on Israeli action.
  • The US State Department has denied having a policy of regime change towards Iran, but Secretary Rice has stopped short of explicitly repeating this statement.

Statistics:

  • Germany trains over 1,000 Iraqi police and military personnel in the United Arab Emirates.
  • The Iraqi elections saw less violence and chaos than many in Europe expected.
  • The US has not explicitly criticized the Iranian regime, but has harshly criticized the Tehran government and suggested a desire to see it replaced with a democracy.
  • US President Bush will meet with German Chancellor Schroeder on February 23 in Mainz, Germany.

Sources:

  • Knight Ridder/Tribune Information Services (c) 2005
  • State Department spokesman Adam Ereli (Wednesday)
  • A senior State Department official traveling with Rice (on condition of anonymity)