Look whoÕs back in Iraq!
Friday, February 20, 2009 E-Mail this story Free Headline Alerts
By John Metzler
UNITED NATIONS Ñ TheyÕre back! French President Nicolas Sarkozy made a surprise visit to Baghdad to press for better political ties and to seek commercial opportunities between France and Iraq. A week later German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier arrived in Baghdad for some political palaver with the elected leaders and to open an economic office to revive the once-close German/Iraqi business ties.
The visits by two leading European political figuresÑespecially FranceÕs Sarkozy, underscore that the political page has indeed been turned in the once fractious Franco / American relations in the wake of the Iraq war in March 2003. Few will forget that both the French and German governments were at bitter political loggerheads with the United States during the countdown to the conflict and even following the war. The French, Russians and PeopleÕs Republic of China built a great wall of veto opposition to block the Anglo/American initiatives in the UN Security Council, causing serious damage in relations with Washington.
I vividly recall the political pyrotechnics in the Security Council especially the infamous 2003 Valentines Day massacre meeting when French Foreign Minister Dominique de Villepan played political villain to Secretary of State Colin Powell. Later, U.S. Administration officials scathingly remarked, ÒPunish the French, ignore the Germans, and forgive the Russians.Ó
While few American media outlets reported the return of both the French President and the German Foreign Minister to Iraq, some European sources glibly said that the visits are only now possible given effusive European reactions to the Obama Administration.
Yes, but six years after the Iraq operation, most of the political players have changed. French President Jacques Chirac who viewed himself as the ÒAnointed OneÓ opposing the USA and the British is gone from the scene. So too is his haughty Foreign Minister de Villepin who relished the chance to use his rhetorical rapier to challenge the Americans. Now in France thereÕs the openly pro-American government of Nicolas Sarkozy and Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner. Already two years ago, Kouchner visited Baghdad and said it was time to turn the page in relations with America.
In Germany too the Social/Democratic government of Gerhard Schroeder who vigorously opposed U.S. efforts, was happily swept from office four years ago and replaced by Chancellor Angela Merkel, a Christian Democrat who was unashamedly close with the Bush Administration as was Sarkozy. Schroeder in the meantime is making millions representing Russian energy interests. And of course George W. Bush, the icon of so much political polarization and irrational hatred has retired back to Texas.
LetÕs face it, the good news from Iraq is that the security situation has dramatically improved in the past year. The country has held another election without major violence, and slowly has begun to rebuild the economic underpinnings of a post-conflict society. Stability is due in large part to the success of the Bush AdministrationÕs military troop surge, the brilliant Gen. David Petraeus, and the extraordinary tactical flexibility, personal heroism, and bloody sacrifice of the American troops in Iraq.
ThereÕs a Òtold you soÒ moment to be certain. But itÕs only logical that the French and the Germans who had big business ties with SaddamÕs Iraq (along with China and Russia) are anxious to be back. Sarkozy characteristically did not mince his words. He vowed France would help Iraq's economic revival and restore historically close commercial ties. He stated ÒMy coming here is to tell French companies: the time is at hand, come and invest.Ó French business delegations will soon visit Baghdad. Do oil contracts come to mind?
Not to be outdone Frank-Walter Steinmeier made a two-day visit, the first by a German political figure since 1987; thatÕs before German reunification. Now the aftermath of the Iraq war and especially in the continuing thaw in relations between Berlin and Washington, Germany has joined France in getting its commercial ducks in a row in Iraq.
Iraqi officials pledged they would Ògreet increased German economic involvement.Ó Prime Minister Al-Maliki stated, ÒGerman companies won't have to undertake any special efforts in order to establish themselves hereÉThey used to be very active here and enjoy a fine reputation.Ó According to the German Economic Ministry, the new commercial office Òwill contribute to reviving the once-intensive economic relationship between Germany and Iraq.Ó As one who has reviewed the UNÕs infamous Oil for Food business ledger with SaddamÕs Iraq, this is a considerable understatement, but nonetheless largely beneficial.
Beyond the whiff of cynicism over the return of the Europeans now that the dust has largely settled in Iraq, Americans should be happy that Iraq is getting serious economic attention and proud that American political and military perseverance made it possible.