Diplomatic observers predict Trans-Atlantic Ice Age

[pscot]

'Now We Don't Trust Him'

Leading trans-Atlantic analysts have reacted with shock and horror to the weekend revelations by SPIEGEL regarding the extent to which the American National Security Agency (NSA) spied on Germany and on European Union facilities.

"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]

1. "...but Everyone does it..."

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]

2. I think so, too.

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]

3. They sent the Spanish ambassador to Austria out there

to personally search Morales plane. The implications of that are mind blowing.

[Warpy]

4. Yes, they are.

I'd love to know who was giving orders. I doubt Obama was even in the loop.

[pscot]

6. I don't believe that for a minute

I'd like to know what role Kerry played in this. I can't recall a comparable diplomatic fuck-up.

[Warpy]

7. I can't, either, which makes me think Obama wasn't in the loop

until after it had occurred.

Obama's a smart man. I can't see him handling anything this stupidly.

[R. Daneel Olivaw]

8. "I doubt Obama was even in the loop."

If it had been Bush would you be saying the same thing?

[Warpy]

9. NO. After all, I've been calling him Stupid since he announced his run

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]

11. Bush, no -- Cheney, probably.

n/t

[R. Daneel Olivaw]

12. Good point, Does that mean that Obama has a Cheney?

[Myrina]

13. Dunno. I tend to think Cheney was acting Prez

... Bush was just the folksy spokesmodel.

[RobertEarl]

5. Cold war, indeed

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.

[bemildred]

10. Cold War is what they know how to do. nt