"Obama Would Be Best for Germany"

Over the weekend Der Spiegel published an interview (English, German) with Stephen Szabo of the German Marshall Fund.  Szabo talks about the foreign policy challenges facing the next US president and concludes that a Democrat stand the best chance for improving transatlantic relations between America and Europe. Democrats would shut down Guantanamo, emphasize multilateral relations, and share the Europe's commitment to international law.  On the other hand, a Democratic White House would look to Europe to take the lead on resolving the crisis in Kosova, and would expect increased NATO participation in Afghanistan.  The Afghanistan issue is especially worrisome for Germany, where popular support for Germany's mission there continues to fall.  On the other hand, the Democrat's approach to Iran is much more in accordance with Europe than the militarism of John McCain.

Why even care about American-German bilateral relations?  Szabo responds:

"Germany is important because it is central in the EU and in NATO. That is not the case of either France or Britain. Britain is central to NATO, but not to the EU, while France is central to the EU, but not to NATO. Neither country plays a central role in both organizations."

Which Democratic candidate would have the most positive influence on relations with Germany?  Szabo gives the nod to Barack Obama, in part, because he represents a generational shift:

"Obama was socialized after the Cold War. During the election, there's been all this talk about experience. But experience with what kind of world? Obama is much more in tune with Europeans because many of them also grew up in this post-Cold War period -- including many young top European politicians, like British Foreign Minister David Miliband, for example. That's why the Germans and Europeans would probably get along best with Obama."

I agree with Szabo. But up to now, Obama (as well as Hillary Clinton) remains committed to the current strategy with respect to the war in Afghanistan.  This could be the seed of future discord with Germany - and Europe - when he takes office in 2009.

Comments

[Leftclick]

Of course there will be no easy way out of Afghanistan, but I wouldn't say that Obama has committed himself to Bush's broken china. As future supreme commander he is right not to show any weakness at military issues - before the public, before the troops and before those fighting them. Nevertheless I believe Obama will change America's foreign and security politics dramatically. It will be easier for almost every nation to deal with America - whose SoC will hopefully be Bill Richardson - or has Obama already confirmed that?