The United States could not get U.N. support for the war on Iraq
largely due to the opposition of European allies France and
Germany. As a result, these two countries have been vilified by the
United States. Such behavior is unwarranted and disrespectful to
the democratic process.
At the U.S. Capitol all food items with the word
“French” were changed to “freedom” ““
an eerie flashback to the World War I practice of replacing an
enemy’s name with the word “liberty.” Certain
conservative media organizations such as NewsMax as well as
commentators such as David Horowitz and Rush Limbaugh have urged a
boycott of all French and German products. Speaker of the House
Dennis Hastert has proposed putting “warning labels” on
French wine bottled before 1998 because they may contain cow blood,
and Congress has already moved to pass a resolution forcing the
U.S. Air Force to boycott a French air show. Even President George
W. Bush has gotten involved.
Bush refused to congratulate the German chancellor on his
re-election and questioned both nations’ friendship with the
United States. Furthermore, many people have suggested that since
the United States ultimately rescued Europe in World War II,
European nations should be grateful and reciprocate the
support.
The first reason why such behavior is shortsighted is that it
ignores the right of sovereign nations, especially democracies, to
dissent from U.S. policies. Germany and France both have
democratically elected governments that reflect the will of their
people, most of whom oppose war with Iraq. When Bush and other U.S.
politicians criticize France and Germany they show complete
disrespect for the basic principles of democracy and national
sovereignty. What Bush should do is acknowledge that democratic
countries like France and Germany are entitled to disagree with the
United States and that this disagreement is a natural and healthy
part of democracy. We should celebrate the fact that a nation like
Germany is now democratic and respects the will of its people.
Doing otherwise is hypocritical especially when we are supposedly
fighting Iraq to institute democracy.
Even more importantly, U.S. treatment of France and Germany also
endangers American interests in the future by hindering
multilateral cooperation. When we criticize and boycott nations
that have been long time allies, it makes these countries less
likely to cooperate on issues like economics and security. Despite
disputes, France and the United States worked together to contain
communism, and German reunification aided by the United States
played a major role in the fall of the Soviet Union. The United
States also helped rebuild both nations after World War II.
Trade between the United States and European Union nations like
France and Germany is substantial, and if Americans participate in
boycotts or continue to viciously impugn the motives of these
nations, both economies will ultimately be harmed. The French and
Germans will retaliate by boycotting American products, something
many German restaurants have already begun doing by refusing to
serve Budweiser beer and other American beverages. Considering that
U.S. trade with the European Union, which France and Germany are
very significant members of, a full trade war could be very
dangerous.
This dynamic may also carry over into areas of political
cooperation, like security. After Sept. 11, 2001 the United States
has depended on both French and German information concerning
terrorist activities. Germany and France both supplied information
about terrorist cells in their countries, and as a result, we know
more about the hijackings and have traced certain financial sources
of terrorism. Several of the hijackers, including Mohammed Atta,
lived in Germany, and other terrorists like Zacarias Moussaiou
resided in France. Since terrorists use these countries as a base,
cooperation with Germany and France in both intelligence and
extradition is vital in fighting terrorism.
However, considering the way the United States behaves now, why
would France or Germany want to help anymore?
It is seldom that two people agree on all matters presented
before them, and this rule can be extended to nations as well.
France and Germany, as sovereign nations with democratically
elected governments, have every right to follow the will of their
people. Americans should respect their different opinion, not only
to uphold democratic traditions, but to maintain economic and
political cooperation that is vital for our country’s
success.