I don't always agree with Secretary of State Powell, but I have been impressed by his discussions about Iraq, Europe, and the States. His speech to the World Economics Forum was very well delivered and received. In Powell's words:
Differences are inevitable, but differences should not be equated with American unilateralism or American arrogance. Sometimes differences are just that -- differences. On occasion, our experiences, our interests, will lead us to see things in a different way. For our part, we will not join a consensus if we believe it compromises our core principles. Nor would we expect any other nation to join in a consensus that would compromise its core principles. When we feel strongly about something, we will lead. We will act even if others are not prepared to join us.
This is the heart of the German-Franco problem with the US. The US is willing for nations (including France and Germany) to go their own way. Conversely, Chirac and Schröder are upset when the US leads in which they do not approve. Yet they see nothing wrong in Franco-German policy advocating positions with which the US (and at least half of Europe) disapprove. They may call this governance in France and Germany. In the States we call it hypocrisy.
