Old tensions renewed as Berlin rises again
Tony Blair may hang on as Britain's prime minister for a few more months but as an international leader he is already history. When Russia's Vladimir Putin talks European energy security or Kosovo these days, he talks to Germany, leader of the EU and G8. When George Bush looks for a European partner, he increasingly looks to Chancellor Angela Merkel. These are the dog days of the Blair era. Almost unnoticed, Mr Blair has become an ex-poodle.
Ms Merkel inadvertently pressed home the point today during a Middle East peacemaking tour of Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the Gulf that left the foreign secretary, Margaret Beckett, trailing in her wake.… Seguir leyendo »