Katherine

That is quite an interesting link. The idea of using the Israeli/Palestinian conflict as a proxy for a US/EU conflict is striking, and remarkably cynical. I would think that the US should punish the EU, outside of that playing field, for such activities. Perhaps some of Bush’s activities in Iraq, in the awarding of contracts, are meant to send such a message.

It is odd that Europe would hope to contend with the US when we have a larger economy and an infinitely more powerful military. It would be a rude shock to the Europeans if they send German troops to intervene, because the IDF would destroy them on the way to breakfast. I don’t know if Israel is militarily more powerful than all of the EU, but it is definitely more powerful than any nation in the EU.

If one accepts that proxy-war viewpoint, it also explains European attitudes towards the Iraq war. Any place the US is successful will be seen as a defeat by these people.

Maybe you’re right – maybe we should do all I suggested right now.

It would certainly be fun watching the Europeans try to deal with Kosovo. Of course, we’d have to replace the Nato troops in Afghanistan, but I don’t think there are that many of them.

Maybe Europe would be forced to confront the reality that they cannot be a significant force in world affairs if they are unwilling to spend any money on military forces, and furthermore have an economy that is falling behind more capitalist countries.

Of course, given current European attitudes, I’m not sure I want them to grow their military, although I’m pretty confident that they couldn’t do much of it anyway. I am starting to wish the French didn’t have their stupid Force de Frappe.

And it would be nice if Britain would stay out of the EU. PeterUK can tell us if that is possible.