The Foreign Service Journal, March 2003

steps have been eased by the new relationship between the U.S. and Russia, underlined by Moscow’s agree- ment to the reduction of strategic nuclear armaments and the creation of the Joint NATO-Russia Council. In this positive context, which Secretary Powell contributed to realizing, there is the feeling of a stronger cohesion between the United States and its new Eastern European partners than with its tradition- al Western European allies. Another change has occurred inside Western Europe: here, apart from Great Britain, America’s closest friends are Italy and Spain, while France and Germany are the harshest crit- ics of U.S. policies. At this writing, the trend had been confirmed by developments in the Iraq affair: “Old Europe” — as Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld derisively labeled the two main E.U. countries, France and Germany, vexing many true Europeans — stands in the way of the use of force and slows down the United States, while countries looking for international acknowledgement are ready to enroll themselves with President Bush. Always the Good Fellow The applause that greets American representatives who visit the Eastern countries is stronger and less critical than in Western Europe. However, Powell has been able, at least until a few weeks ago, to keep friend- ly relations with all of his colleagues; and when impor- tant relationships go through a difficult time, as was the case with Germany after the last elections, it is he who reactivates the communication channel. It’s a question of roles, certainly, but it is also a calling — much appre- ciated by Europe — to find a common ground of agree- ment. At the end of January, the American press declared that the secretary of State, upset by the attitude of French Foreign Minister Dominique de Villepin in a U.N. meeting, had taken an “hawkish” turn. But even in this critical phase, Europeans welcomed President F O C U S M A R C H 2 0 0 3 / F O R E I G N S E R V I C E J O U R N A L 39 Interim Accommodations for Corporate and Government Markets Apartments, Townhouses & Single Family Homes “FOR THE EXECUTIVE ON THE MOVE” finder5@IX.netcom.com Locations throughout Northern Virginia and D.C. Units fully furnished, equipped and accessorized Many “Walk to Metro” locations Pet Friendly 5105-L Backlick Road, Annandale, Virginia Tel: (703) 354-4070 Fax: (703) 642-3619 Executive Lodging Alternatives