German journalist says Germany's friendship with the US has 'fallen apart'
The sudden cancellation of US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's visit to Germany is evidence that the friendship between the two countries has "broken down", according to journalist Daniel Bressler in his article published in the German newspaper Suddeutsche Zeitung.
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| German Chancellor Angela Merkel and US President Donald Trump. Illustration photo: AP |
Previously on May 7, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo suddenly canceled his visit to Germany, just hours before his meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Foreign Minister Heiko Maas. Instead, Mr. Pompeo visited Baghdad.
“In the world of diplomacy, this is rudeness,” writes journalist Bressler. However, at the same time, there is also “shamelessness,” and the journalist believes that Mr. Pompeo’s decision is an example of this.
“In any case, more than two years after Donald Trump took office, much of what was previously touted as US-German friendship has now been shattered,” the journalist declared.
The German journalist noted that it is still unclear what the US Secretary of State considers more important than a short trip to Berlin.
At the same time, Mr. Bressler believes that Washington’s foreign policy under Trump is quite predictable. In his opinion, this policy follows the principle that one should pursue one’s own interests not through “smart” diplomacy, but through “ruthless, authoritarian policies,” even when in dispute with allies.
"In many cases, the US is not an ally at all, but an enemy, and it is necessary to form alliances to fight this enemy" - the author of the article believes.
At the same time, the journalist expressed hope that after Trump leaves office, the US will again become a true partner and associate for Germany.
