Nikos Konstandaras is managing editor and a columnist of Kathimerini, the leading Greek morning daily. He is also the founding editor of Kathimerini’s English Edition, which is published as a supplement to The International Herald Tribune in Greece, Cyprus and Albania. He worked as a correspondent for The Associated Press from 1989 to 1997 before joining the Greek press and has reported from many countries in the region.
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Nikos Konstandaras
Athens, Greece
Nikos Konstandaras is managing editor and a columnist of Kathimerini, the leading Greek morning daily. He is also the founding editor of Kathimerini’s English Edition, which is published as a supplement to The International Herald Tribune in Greece, Cyprus and Albania.
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I agree with Nikos. . i don't think Polls are very reliable in measuring views. People will naturally fear the bigger power. If Iran had the influence and power the U.S. does, that poll would be completely different in outcome. Any country that was in the U.S. position I believe will draw much criticism and controversey. Not to say its undeserved but there will be talk when we do anything and there will be talk when we don't do anything.
I agree with Nikos. . i don't think Polls are very reliable in measuring views. People will naturally fear the bigger power. If Iran had the influence and power the U.S. does, that poll would be completely different in outcome. Any country that was in the U.S. position I believe will draw much criticism and controversey. Not to say its undeserved but there will be talk when we do anything and there will be talk when we don't do anything.
I like to hear the whiny liberal viewpoints coming from Europe. The older people know where
they would be if it weren't for America. The
young there as ignorant & self- serving as those in the U.S. Everyone there would be speaking German if not for America sacrificing her young
men, war material and monies to pull your
worthless a$$es out from under Hitler. In my
opinion, America should pull out all troops &
all medical or monetary aid & concentrate on home.
Spend the money on Star Wars technology & greatly
increase our military. And help no one with any
type of crisis. Give no warnings, if any nation
or terrorist group causes trouble, military action
will be immediate & severe.
" The evidence is before us already: which country invaded Iraq on false pretenses and has undermined the stability of the entire Middle East for at least a generation? That country is the U.S., not Iran."
. . . .Umm. . .wasn't the middle east always unstable? You can't attribute all of the Middle East's instability on the U.S. That is false accusation right there.
You said "We (Americans) should have let Hitler have his way with all of Europe."
Like we stopped him single-handedly. I guess we just marched right into Russia and scooped out the Germans, huh?
That's the problem with you right-wing gas bags - you never get the facts straight.
n4matix
"Not counting Afghanistan and Iraq, since WWII, US has bombed 19 countries (for their own good, of course). Now, if say, Canada had such a record, what would we think of Canada?" We might think that Canada was stepping up to the plate in trying to fix the wrongs of the world and spread freedom and democracy to all.
Robert Rose
"Iraq was invaded by a BS coalition, i.e. that of the Brainwashed, the Blackmailed, the Bribed, the Bullied and the Blind, against the will of the vast majority of the British, the Spaniards, the Italians, the Australians, the Japanese, etc."
Mondo Times poll from 8/22 - 9/15/2002
Should the United States invade Iraq to remove Saddam Hussein? 51% Yes
Britain Sunday Telegraph Aug 2003
Do you now think that Britain and America were right or wrong to go to war with Iraq to remove Saddam Hussein? Right 54%
Britain The Guardian Sept 2002
Would you approve or disapprove of a military attack on Iraq to remove Saddam Hussein? 46% Disapprove.
Most Americans were for the war. Most Europeans were against going to war without the UN cover/blessing, however, support for going to Iraq with a UN resolution was strong throughout Europe.
JURGEN, I agree that the behaviour of some people is not always polite! However, THOR is absolutely right! If you live in such a great country like the United States is and see how jealous some people around the world are, then it's hard to understand why those peoples try to teach the United States while sitting in the mud themselves! Americans are proud of their country and I agree with them! It's time for the Europeans to solve their own problems instead of pointing the finger on other countries. Such a behaviour is ridiculous and childish!
I understand that the anti-American propaganda in Europe is pretty tough, so the people over there believe that America is so bad, but that is not the truth! Americans are smart and friendly people who always try to be good! They are willing to make the world a better place and they are doing great! They have liberated the people in Europe, in Iraq, in Afghanistan, etc. and they are protecting the people in many countries around the world! If someone do not like America, well, the world has a lot more countries... It's not forbidden to leave America for living elsewhere! Interestingly, only few Americans leave their country while many people move to America for a better life! So what?
Keep in mind! Don't teach America, teach yourself! If you are a friend of America, then you are always welcomed! Otherwise, stop talking and stay away!
1. You need sources? Here you get it! http://www.ojp.gov/bjs/ijs.htm There, you find all the links you need in order to figure out how many people get killed in Europe each year.
Note: Statistics in Europe are not as accurate as their U.S. counterparts! Well, it's socialism over there and in socialism stats are mostly not accurate! However, in Europe is the crime rate higher than in the United States!
2. Nice try! If the EU is not a socialism dictatorship, so why, as you wrote, is the EU working to change that? By the way, read the Constitution of the EU first before arguing that the EU is not a socialism dictatorship! Everything in the EU is state controlled! Democracy and Capitalism is just a dream in Europe - especially in France and Germany!
@ANONYMOUS
Sorry, but the most ISLAMIC NATIONS are driven by NAZIS and they have close ties to Europe! By the way, the United States is far away from socialism! That's why the United States has the largest national economy in the world! Well, some hardheads believe that socialism is a great idea, but they do not know what socialism really is! Otherwise, they would stop talking about, because there is no Liberty and Justice in socialism! Period!
"Thor," has anybody let you in on the little secret yet that sprinkling your rants with words in capital letters does zero for your credibility?
It's always interesting to see how Americans pop their gaskets at any suggestion that their country just might not be all they've been brainwashed to believe it is, that it is, in fact, despised the world over, and for good reason.
Go ahead, "Thor," pop a few more gaskets. None of your ranting changes the basic fact that America has made the world a much more dangerous place. And none of it changes the fact that America today is the most despised nation on earth.
Instead of fulminating like an idiot, why don't you engage in a little self-reflection?
Of course, Americans have never been good at this -- which is why they're in the mess they're in, and so widely reviled, today.
Konstandaras, that's all very comforting but I hate to tell you that Europeans are not idiots and understand perfectly well the polling questions they are answering. Most believe, as we have every reason to believe, that the U.S. is indeed a far greater threat to world peace than Iran. The evidence is before us already: which country invaded Iraq on false pretenses and has undermined the stability of the entire Middle East for at least a generation? That country is the U.S., not Iran. So we are quite right to believe the U.S. to be a greater threat to world peace than Iran. (SIC!!!) Please don't patronize us."
Oh Really? JURGEN has SURE PROVEN that HE is sure a clueless idiot, and any clueless euros agreeing with him seriously are uninformed idiots too. I am sick and tired with these cowards, the former COLONIALISTS that killed MILLIONS of africans in the COngo alone 11 million, and the Culprits of WW I and WW II that murdered tens of millions of innocents, and don;t make me add STALIN to the list and the tens of millions he singlehandedly killed among his own population.
THe idiots in Europe are VERY STUPID to think that AMERICANS are idiots instead. Or uninformed for that matter. INvest your time to make your pathetic economy as STELLAR as the US economy, esp. in pitiful regions as the former East Germany. THEN you will have ACCOMPLISHED Something. Oh, and another thing. COunt how many SCIENCE Nobel prizes the US accumulates every year. IT is SEVERAL TIMES the total no of prizes you euros collect, EVEN ALL OF YOU DWARVES COMBINED!
Face it, clowns: You are HAS BEENS, and CRIMINAL ones at that, EUros. THe US will only be replaced by CHINA as the planetarch, and NOT by any combination of YOU CLOWNS.
I would venture that if america pulls out from the middle east that europe will indeed "wake up to the consequences of an Iran with nukes the hard way." And the only thing predictable about Iran is that Iran is unpredictable. In two major wars that the Europeans got themselves enmeshed in, most americans did not what to get involved with them. But we did. And then america spent billions in helping europe to rebuild from those wars. And then at least seven republican and democratic american administrations helped the europeans to dispose of the communist threat to their countries. Sometimes I think its time for the Europeans to take care of themselves. Maybe the "evil americans" need to pack up their bags and come back home. But in reality, we need the europeans just like they need us. But it is a nice thought at times. Its a hate/love relationship. Extremely dysfunctional at times. I guess the best we can all hope for is that in america the "radical left and or the radical right does not carry the day." I think that is a very slim hope though. Both of those parties could lead america and europe to their doom, with the rest of the world following.
yeah I think the EU is the real threat of the World today the Nazis now still alive and is more popular in Europe and the United States is backing them in the conquest of the world.
The Islamic nation have noted this and that's why they call'em invaders and that's real i think the next war gonna involve the all Europe and it's going to kill many people in Europe because the whole world don't want this empire of the Nazis and Europe to continue I think is time to the countries non in Europe backing the Countries of the Middle east and realize the real threat Europe has against the entire world .
"In Europe, more people get killed than in the United States."
In what parts of Europe? Ex-Yougoslavia I guess. Care to give sources?
"No wonder, the EU is a socialist dictatorship and they dream of 'Global Governance' a.k.a. 'Global Dictatorship' - that's the only way socialism could survive."
Sure, that's why the EU is working on breaking Nationalized companies monopolies and have the countries respect the liberalist principles on competition, etc. That's so very communist indeed ^ _ ^
I'm undecided on whether you are a fake poster having fun or really living in your own world...
France, Germany, and Russia made their deals with Iraq during the embargo back in the 1990's. They sold WMD and weapons to Saddam Hussein and at the same time to Iran. That's why they have been against the war in Iraq - they lost a lot money because Saddam Hussein hasn't paid his debts. Shiz happens.
If someone is saying that Europe is a peaceful place, then I can say that's wrong. In Europe, more people get killed than in the United States. The statistics in Europe are faked, the reality is slightly different. No wonder, the EU is a socialist dictatorship and they dream of 'Global Governance' a.k.a. 'Global Dictatorship' - that's the only way socialism could survive. By the way, their military arm are the terrorists we are fighting. 9/11 was planned in Hamburg, Germany, and supported by European countries. So what?
Back to topic. It's time to nuke Iran and to liberate the people from dictatorship! www.ncr-iran.org
Not counting Afghanistan and Iraq, since WWII, US has bombed 19 countries (for their own good, of course). Now, if say, Canada had such a record, what would we think of Canada?
Polls are only a snapshot taken at one point in time. Circumstances can change and so can opinions and poll results. Some one once said that polls are for dogs and you know what they do on them.
Iraq was invaded by a BS coalition, i.e. that of the Brainwashed, the Blackmailed, the Bribed, the Bullied and the Blind, against the will of the vast majority of the British, the Spaniards, the Italians, the Australians, the Japanese, etc. Some of the countries represented were at best micro countries, which is why their names were so seldom mentionned (one had to refer to "official" lists in order to find out).
"Coalition of the willing" -- so much irony in that expression!
As a matter of fact, that coalition was never anything other than a cheap mini loincloth for naked US agression.
"If Americans are all rednecks, why is antisemitism so much worse in all of Europe than in America?"...
And just what is your evidence of this? Europe as a whole is a far more tolerant and pluralist place than the United States today, presided over as it is by an ignoramus whose political base is made up of a bunch of intolerant Christian fundamentalists and Southern racists. A far more tolerant and law-abiding place than the U.S., which illegally abducts, tortures and abuses civilians without charge and, often, without evidence.
It always amazes me when the most paranoid of U.S. Jews, without a doubt one of the most privileged and politically influential minority groups in the world (and I say that with admiration), so often invoke the spectre of anti-Semitism when so many other forms of racism -- against blacks, Arabs, Latinos, gypsies and gays -- are so much more virulent and dangerous in the world today. News flash: the Holocaust happened more than half a century ago, and Jews today are hardly the persecuted, suffering victims of World-War-II-era Europe.
U.S. crimes against humanity, on the other hand, are an indisputable, documented reality. We see them in Guantanamo, at Abu Ghraib, in the illegal U.S.-led war that is destabilizing the entire Middle East, in the arms race being fuelled by the current U.S. administration, in the global warming being fuelled by U.S. policies, and in the lawless, might-makes-right approach of the U.S. administration which holds that everyone else must obey international law, but not the U.S.
I found Jurgen's comments a truly amazing rewrite of history. Has he forgotten already that the "country" that invaded Iraq also included Britain, Poland, Italy, Spain etc. Oh, of course, I know ... the U.S. *made* you do it. You had no choice!
Except, strangely enough, some other European countries did opt out of the war. How strange.
I don't support the war, but I also don't support such dangerous and sweeping inaccuracies. You Europeans are not perfect either.
My hat is off to Paulo and his post. His words are direct and to the point. The US has created such a turmoil in the mid-east that there will never be peace in our life-times (if ever). And why? Oil-Oil-Oil. Western democracy will never work in this part of the world, period. The US is rather brain-washed with their news coverages. I wonder how many of them really know that the value of the dollar has declined rapidly over the past few years? I would venture to say that when Saddam Hussein changed their oil trading currency from dollars to euros, that this upset the US? We will never know. It is a shame that Russia is not (yet) the world power that it once was. The US would not be parading around the world from country to country trying to set up their lopsided trade agreements and disrupting that country's day-to-day living. One of the democrats in the newly elected congress said it best "America needs to regain its position as 'Peacemaker' not 'Warmonger'".
Wayne -- Where were the American armoured divisions situated? (that were going to stop the russians attacking America) On the plains of Kansas? NO! They were on the plains of central europe. (Collateral Damage anyone?).
American Republicans must think europeans are as stupid as they are. The Liberals on the other hand who have always tended towards Global co-operation instead of Global profiteering have a chance of resolving the conflict in the middle-east.If anything can be salvaged from the Republicans military adventure in Iraq, Democrats are going to be the ones to do it.
I'M FROM MEXICO AND I FEW DAYS BEFORE AL QAEDA IS THREATENING SOME COUNTRYS LIKE MEXICO VENEZUELA AND CANADA FOR BEEN SUPPLIERS OF OIL TO THE UNITED STATES . I THINK THE CONFLICT BETWEEN IRAN AND THE U.S. IT'S GOING TO INVOLVE SOONER OR LATER MORE COUNTRYS FOR BEEN SUPPLIERS IN THE U.S. POLICIES EUROPE AND MIDDLE EASTERNS COUNTRIES IS INVOLVE IN THE ENTIRE CONFLICT FIRST BETWEEN U.S. AND IRAQ NOW . U.S. AND IRAN . THEN U.S. AND SYRIA. , NORTH KOREA JAPAN CHINA RUSSIA COME ON THIS IS INSANE. IN A FEW YEARS THE ENTIRE WORLD IT'S GOING TO TURN IN 2 SIDES BLACK AND WHITE WHO ONLY GOD CAN SAID WHO IS BAD AND WHO IS GOOD.. I THINK THE BIGGER THREAT IN THE WORLD IS THE UNITED STATES AND ISRAEL . FOR BEEN SUPPORTED OF THE STATE OF ISRAEL .. AND I HATE WHEN THE UNITED STATES CALLS ALL THE STATES OF TERRORISM, WHAT ARE THEY SMOKING, THIS IS LIKE BABYS GAME.. THE UNITED STATES POLICY IS LIKE IF YOU AREN'T WITH US IN OWR INTEREST THEN YOU ARE TERRORIST.. IS THIS A JOKE??. I BELIEVE THAT SOONER OR LATER THE UNITED STATES GONNA BE ALONE WITH THE ENTIRE WORLD AGAINST .. THE WAR IN IRAQ IS ALMOST THE ONE TRILLION DOLLARS . WHERE IS THE MONEY.. ? WITH THAT MONEY COULD BE SPENDING IN WORLD POVERTY.. BUT WHEN THE UNITED STATES STAY ALONE WITH THE REST OF THE WORLD THEN WHY , WHY IS ALONE THIS COUNTRY AND WHY AGAIN THE POPPY OF EUROPE IS WITHOUT NOT GUILTY . I THINK THE MESS IN THE MIDDLE EAST IS FROM WW2 AND THE NAZI CRIMES ..AND I BELIEVE THE ONLY RESPONSIBLE COUNTRY IS EUROPE . AND THE SHADOW OF THE NAZI CRIMES STILL ALIVE..AND DEFINITLLY EUROPE HAS TO PAY THE PRICE OF THEIR CRIMES AGAINST HUMANITY.. IT'S A BAD AND SAD SITUATION THAT THE UNITED STATES IS BACKING EUROPE AND HIS CRIMES .. AND EUROPE NOW WANTS TO LEAVE IT ALONE IN THE MESS IN THE MIDDLE EAST . AND CLEAN THEIR HANDS ABOUT THE MESS THEY START IT IN THE WORLD WAR II .. I THINK IS A SHAME FOR THE UNITED STATES TO BE A BLIND ABOUT WHO IS THE REAL ENEMY HERE . AND I THINK THE ONLY ENEMY AND REAL TREATH OF THE WORLD IS EUROPE.. AND THE SHADOW OF HITLER STILL ALIVE IN THIS WORLD .. AND THE REAL INOCENTS ARE THE ISLAMIC PEOPLE AND PALESTINES .. MAYBE THE UNITED STATES HAVE TO REALIZE WHO IS THE REAL ENEMY HERE,, EUROPÈ IN THEIR HIDING PLACE .. THE REAL RERRORIST ARE EUROPE .. AND UNITED STATES WITH HIS REAL POWER AND CONSTITUTION.. OF FREDOM IS PURE BUT IN THE WRONG SIDE WITH THE EUROPEANS COUNTRIES ... AND AMERICA IS SUPORTING THEM IN BLINDNESS .. AND THE UNITED STATES ARE THE COUNTRY WHO IS SLEEPING WITH THE ENEMIE ..
I am on the left and I didn't vote for George Bush. However, I think that Ahamdinejad means what he says. I have no faith in the prudence of Iran's leadership to stop him.
The Europeans would be willing to sit back and watch Ahamdinejad destroy Israel and do nothing about it. It looks like the 1930s all over again and Ahamdinejad's threat is being ignored the way Hitler was ignored.
Paulo, if Americans are all rednecks, why is antisemitism so much worse in all of Europe than in America? There isn't a single European country that I would feel safe living in, including the UK or Greece. Jews in Europe are now being equally squeezed by antisemitism on the left and on the right.
Hey, you American rednecks, go ahead and pop your blood vessels in indignation at the fact that we Europeans no longer respect you. We don't really care. Your empire is in decline. Your credibility is shattered. You are making enemies the world over with your ignorant macho swagger. Until you realize that America has to abide by the same rules as all the rest of us, you will continue to fade into irrelevance. The rest of the world is moving on as you struggle to extricate yourselves from the mess you've created in the Middle East and beyond.
Most of the posts above were written by the same person. And oh, by the way, don't we all admire the "Kraut"s command of American English idiom.
Get real.
Polls distort? All the time. Polls also mislead. Some would say that is why they sometimes exist.
Problem begins when for months (sometimes years), polls confirm one another... more particularly, as in this case, when results come from many parts of the world (not only from Europe).
"Consistent distortion" is an interesting concept. It may deserve closer attention...
Mike is right, the United States of America has been the greatest nation in the history of the world. It has been the birthplace or real, practical, and enduring democratic government. It has represented the dream of freedom and equality of opportunity. And, it has fought for democracy throughout the world. In fact, without the United States democracy and liberty would probably have died during the time of World War II. However, America has changed since the fall of the Soviet Union. The US is a tremendous potential and real threat to world democracy and liberty. The Bush/Cheney administration invaded a defenseless foreign nation, advocated torture as state policy, declared their right to spy on American citizens, etc. Europeans must help Americans resist these enemies of democracy and equality of opportunity.
German Voice: is right. Thanks for the warm words.
European leftist elites are engaged in the destruction of Europe. They are clasping Muslim immigration to the breast of Europe like Cleopatra clasped the asp, because they knew it would bite and kill them.
European frustration at America is transference of the frustration at the Muslims in their midst who are an enemy within. That is their real enemy and real threat. But America can't come over and deal with that, the Europeans have to deal with that problem on their own and now.
Oh look a bunch of old world wanna be's are throwing rocks at the throne again. Shut up Europe, no one cares at all what you have to say. At the same time they can get away with this bull because they know we will dig them out of any problems. They will thank us and cheer until a couple years later they will be right back to being jealous.
Turkey did not invade North Cyprus, we saved our brothers in Northern Cyprus because thousands of Turks were killed by Greek Cypriots during the 60s and 70s. Also Let's not forget the liberation of North Cyprus by Turkey was triggered by the Greek military junta who attempted to unite Cyprus with Greece. How foolish to think that Cyprus can unite with Greece !!
Today after years the Greek cypriots are still racists and refusing to unite with the Turks at the north. Yet the world who is supporting Kosovas independence does not care about the plight of Turks in North Cyprus.
We (Americans) should have let Hitler have his way with all of Europe. All biggest mistake was to help Europe in WWII and WWI, we are paying that price now. Let this be a lesson for all future generations... Of course, Europe is currently being overrun by Radical Islam, so their fate is sealed. So complain all you want now... You'll be bowing to Allah soon enough... good luck on that one...
Lets face reality, all United States of America administrations and British Governments since 1974 are responsible for the debacle that has let to the occupation of Northern Cyprus by Turkey and the unlawful creation of the self styled Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
It is time for the legitimate government of the Republic of Cyprus to kick the British and their American friends out of the Military Bases they are occupying on Cypriot soil.
The British operate the bases and from there supply information to the Americans.
If they love the Turks so much they should get out of Cyprus and move their operations to sovereign Turkish soil.
The Turks invaded Cyprus in 1974 with the blessing of the British and the Americans. The Turks asked for permission before invading Cyprus.
It is interesting how the Syrians pulled out of Lebanon when told to do so by the Americans after some 30 years of occupation. The Americans have had every opportunity over the last thirty – three years to do the same with the Turks in Cyprus yet they have not done so.
It is a proven fact that the Turks cannot be trusted and yet the Americans and the British bend over backwards to appease them. The Americans and the British at all levels will stop at nothing to push the Turkish cause.
I just hope that the Kurds in both Turkey, Iraq and Iran get strong enough to give the Turks and their American and British friends the flogging that is justly deserved.
Not all Americans are blind=patriotic rednecks with a love it or leave it attitude, we just have a few morons over here who need to make up for the fact that they are small in the pants as well as being small in the mind.
Europe fears an isolationist America?
Ha! That's a funny one.
A bit too late to realize that, Euros.
Because that is exactly what your "leaders" have guaranteed is coming. Their obstructionism in global politics, their economic warfare on our companies, and your constant stream of anti-american vitriol against our citizens is working and will soon achieve its desired goal. Europe wants America off the global stage in the worst way and that is exactly the way you are going to get it.
The day is coming, within the decade if not sooner, when Americans, tired of being the planet's whipping boys tell the rest of the world "Go to hell".
Sadly, it will and while we can do without you better than you can do without us, this realization will hit you far too late to do any of us any good. For in this particular greek tragedy the point of no return came and when the day France and its corrupt euro-cronies, bought and paid for with Saddam's oil money, made the invasion of Iraq inevitable.
Nothing good will come of this, for us or you, but at least we'll have the satisfaction of standing by doing nothing as Europe burns.
Next time trouble knocks on your doors, whether its russian kleptocrats or islamic fundamentalists, make no mistake: you'll receive neither help nor pity from us.
Next time, you're on your own.
Good luck, suckers!
Why don't the nations of Europe help the United States stabilize Iraq and fight terrorism instead of complaining about the US as being threat to the world.
I'm a Kraut and I stand with the United States of America - the greatest Nation ever! If someone is against America, then he is against me too!
Here in Germany, and also in Europe, the NAZIS and Commmunists are still alive, therefore, it's no wonder, that anti-Americanism is wide spreaded across Europe. The reason is, is that the news-media are censored, so the people do not know, what's really going on. All news they get are one-sided.
However, Americans should give a big nothing about what the European hardheads are talking, because it's part of the NAZI-Propaganda here in Europe, especially here in Germany. In addition, Europe is a safe haven for terrorists.
America is doing great and there's nothing wrong with it! Iran is a dictatorship and the people over there cannot wait to get liberated. So what?
Thanks to the finest and brightest men and women of the United States - Our Troops!
I wonder just how much different things would have turned out had the Europeans said "Ok, the US screwed up and we're not happy about it, but it is too important to see Iraq fail so we are going to send in troops and funding to help so that this part of the world remains stable"? This is a fantasy of course because even when Europe itself was in the grips of a war (Kosovo) the Europeans stuck their heads in the sand and waited for the Americans to step in and do the heavy lifting.
Given that Iraq and Iran are on the door step of Europe, I suggest that the US tell the Europeans - "You know, you were right, we were wrong. We are now leaving. Since you know better, best of luck in figuring it out yourselves."
There is no question that the Bush administration was incompetent in it's planning and execution in post-invasion Iraq. We can let history be the final judge there. What's critical now, is that anyone with a vested interest in peace in the Middle East (i.e. every country who contemplates using oil over the next 10 years)get past the "I told you so" gloating and do something to help make Iraq a stable place. The joy value to Europe and the World of being able to see America fail is outweighed a hundred times by the cost (to them) if America actually does.
And you never know, having America see that others are actually willing to share some of the heavy lifting may reset America's entire World perspective that it stands alone in this category. And once that perspective changes, Europe may be amazed at how America's foreign policy may start aligning with how Europe believes it should look.
Konstandaras, that's all very comforting but I hate to tell you that Europeans are not idiots and understand perfectly well the polling questions they are answering. Most believe, as we have every reason to believe, that the U.S. is indeed a far greater threat to world peace than Iran. The evidence is before us already: which country invaded Iraq on false pretenses and has undermined the stability of the entire Middle East for at least a generation? That country is the U.S., not Iran. So we are quite right to believe the U.S. to be a greater threat to world peace than Iran. Please don't patronize us.
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All Comments (44)
I agree with Nikos. . i don't think Polls are very reliable in measuring views. People will naturally fear the bigger power. If Iran had the influence and power the U.S. does, that poll would be completely different in outcome. Any country that was in the U.S. position I believe will draw much criticism and controversey. Not to say its undeserved but there will be talk when we do anything and there will be talk when we don't do anything.
April 18, 2008 11:51 AM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on April 18, 2008 11:51
I agree with Nikos. . i don't think Polls are very reliable in measuring views. People will naturally fear the bigger power. If Iran had the influence and power the U.S. does, that poll would be completely different in outcome. Any country that was in the U.S. position I believe will draw much criticism and controversey. Not to say its undeserved but there will be talk when we do anything and there will be talk when we don't do anything.
April 18, 2008 11:42 AM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on April 18, 2008 11:42
I like to hear the whiny liberal viewpoints coming from Europe. The older people know where
they would be if it weren't for America. The
young there as ignorant & self- serving as those in the U.S. Everyone there would be speaking German if not for America sacrificing her young
men, war material and monies to pull your
worthless a$$es out from under Hitler. In my
opinion, America should pull out all troops &
all medical or monetary aid & concentrate on home.
Spend the money on Star Wars technology & greatly
increase our military. And help no one with any
type of crisis. Give no warnings, if any nation
or terrorist group causes trouble, military action
will be immediate & severe.
October 20, 2007 9:51 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on October 20, 2007 21:51
" The evidence is before us already: which country invaded Iraq on false pretenses and has undermined the stability of the entire Middle East for at least a generation? That country is the U.S., not Iran."
. . . .Umm. . .wasn't the middle east always unstable? You can't attribute all of the Middle East's instability on the U.S. That is false accusation right there.
August 10, 2007 3:18 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on August 10, 2007 15:18
To Bear,
You said "We (Americans) should have let Hitler have his way with all of Europe."
Like we stopped him single-handedly. I guess we just marched right into Russia and scooped out the Germans, huh?
That's the problem with you right-wing gas bags - you never get the facts straight.
March 23, 2007 12:17 AM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on March 23, 2007 00:17
n4matix
"Not counting Afghanistan and Iraq, since WWII, US has bombed 19 countries (for their own good, of course). Now, if say, Canada had such a record, what would we think of Canada?" We might think that Canada was stepping up to the plate in trying to fix the wrongs of the world and spread freedom and democracy to all.
Robert Rose
"Iraq was invaded by a BS coalition, i.e. that of the Brainwashed, the Blackmailed, the Bribed, the Bullied and the Blind, against the will of the vast majority of the British, the Spaniards, the Italians, the Australians, the Japanese, etc."
Mondo Times poll from 8/22 - 9/15/2002
Should the United States invade Iraq to remove Saddam Hussein? 51% Yes
Britain Sunday Telegraph Aug 2003
Do you now think that Britain and America were right or wrong to go to war with Iraq to remove Saddam Hussein? Right 54%
Britain The Guardian Sept 2002
Would you approve or disapprove of a military attack on Iraq to remove Saddam Hussein? 46% Disapprove.
Most Americans were for the war. Most Europeans were against going to war without the UN cover/blessing, however, support for going to Iraq with a UN resolution was strong throughout Europe.
February 23, 2007 10:41 AM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on February 23, 2007 10:41
JURGEN, I agree that the behaviour of some people is not always polite! However, THOR is absolutely right! If you live in such a great country like the United States is and see how jealous some people around the world are, then it's hard to understand why those peoples try to teach the United States while sitting in the mud themselves! Americans are proud of their country and I agree with them! It's time for the Europeans to solve their own problems instead of pointing the finger on other countries. Such a behaviour is ridiculous and childish!
I understand that the anti-American propaganda in Europe is pretty tough, so the people over there believe that America is so bad, but that is not the truth! Americans are smart and friendly people who always try to be good! They are willing to make the world a better place and they are doing great! They have liberated the people in Europe, in Iraq, in Afghanistan, etc. and they are protecting the people in many countries around the world! If someone do not like America, well, the world has a lot more countries... It's not forbidden to leave America for living elsewhere! Interestingly, only few Americans leave their country while many people move to America for a better life! So what?
Keep in mind! Don't teach America, teach yourself! If you are a friend of America, then you are always welcomed! Otherwise, stop talking and stay away!
God bless America!
February 22, 2007 12:23 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on February 22, 2007 12:23
@TOM
1. You need sources? Here you get it! http://www.ojp.gov/bjs/ijs.htm There, you find all the links you need in order to figure out how many people get killed in Europe each year.
Note: Statistics in Europe are not as accurate as their U.S. counterparts! Well, it's socialism over there and in socialism stats are mostly not accurate! However, in Europe is the crime rate higher than in the United States!
2. Nice try! If the EU is not a socialism dictatorship, so why, as you wrote, is the EU working to change that? By the way, read the Constitution of the EU first before arguing that the EU is not a socialism dictatorship! Everything in the EU is state controlled! Democracy and Capitalism is just a dream in Europe - especially in France and Germany!
@ANONYMOUS
Sorry, but the most ISLAMIC NATIONS are driven by NAZIS and they have close ties to Europe! By the way, the United States is far away from socialism! That's why the United States has the largest national economy in the world! Well, some hardheads believe that socialism is a great idea, but they do not know what socialism really is! Otherwise, they would stop talking about, because there is no Liberty and Justice in socialism! Period!
February 22, 2007 11:35 AM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on February 22, 2007 11:35
"Thor," has anybody let you in on the little secret yet that sprinkling your rants with words in capital letters does zero for your credibility?
It's always interesting to see how Americans pop their gaskets at any suggestion that their country just might not be all they've been brainwashed to believe it is, that it is, in fact, despised the world over, and for good reason.
Go ahead, "Thor," pop a few more gaskets. None of your ranting changes the basic fact that America has made the world a much more dangerous place. And none of it changes the fact that America today is the most despised nation on earth.
Instead of fulminating like an idiot, why don't you engage in a little self-reflection?
Of course, Americans have never been good at this -- which is why they're in the mess they're in, and so widely reviled, today.
February 21, 2007 11:57 AM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on February 21, 2007 11:57
" Jurgen:
Konstandaras, that's all very comforting but I hate to tell you that Europeans are not idiots and understand perfectly well the polling questions they are answering. Most believe, as we have every reason to believe, that the U.S. is indeed a far greater threat to world peace than Iran. The evidence is before us already: which country invaded Iraq on false pretenses and has undermined the stability of the entire Middle East for at least a generation? That country is the U.S., not Iran. So we are quite right to believe the U.S. to be a greater threat to world peace than Iran. (SIC!!!) Please don't patronize us."
Oh Really? JURGEN has SURE PROVEN that HE is sure a clueless idiot, and any clueless euros agreeing with him seriously are uninformed idiots too. I am sick and tired with these cowards, the former COLONIALISTS that killed MILLIONS of africans in the COngo alone 11 million, and the Culprits of WW I and WW II that murdered tens of millions of innocents, and don;t make me add STALIN to the list and the tens of millions he singlehandedly killed among his own population.
THe idiots in Europe are VERY STUPID to think that AMERICANS are idiots instead. Or uninformed for that matter. INvest your time to make your pathetic economy as STELLAR as the US economy, esp. in pitiful regions as the former East Germany. THEN you will have ACCOMPLISHED Something. Oh, and another thing. COunt how many SCIENCE Nobel prizes the US accumulates every year. IT is SEVERAL TIMES the total no of prizes you euros collect, EVEN ALL OF YOU DWARVES COMBINED!
Face it, clowns: You are HAS BEENS, and CRIMINAL ones at that, EUros. THe US will only be replaced by CHINA as the planetarch, and NOT by any combination of YOU CLOWNS.
February 20, 2007 4:47 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on February 20, 2007 16:47
Mr. Konstandaras,
I would venture that if america pulls out from the middle east that europe will indeed "wake up to the consequences of an Iran with nukes the hard way." And the only thing predictable about Iran is that Iran is unpredictable. In two major wars that the Europeans got themselves enmeshed in, most americans did not what to get involved with them. But we did. And then america spent billions in helping europe to rebuild from those wars. And then at least seven republican and democratic american administrations helped the europeans to dispose of the communist threat to their countries. Sometimes I think its time for the Europeans to take care of themselves. Maybe the "evil americans" need to pack up their bags and come back home. But in reality, we need the europeans just like they need us. But it is a nice thought at times. Its a hate/love relationship. Extremely dysfunctional at times. I guess the best we can all hope for is that in america the "radical left and or the radical right does not carry the day." I think that is a very slim hope though. Both of those parties could lead america and europe to their doom, with the rest of the world following.
February 20, 2007 11:52 AM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on February 20, 2007 11:52
yeah I think the EU is the real threat of the World today the Nazis now still alive and is more popular in Europe and the United States is backing them in the conquest of the world.
The Islamic nation have noted this and that's why they call'em invaders and that's real i think the next war gonna involve the all Europe and it's going to kill many people in Europe because the whole world don't want this empire of the Nazis and Europe to continue I think is time to the countries non in Europe backing the Countries of the Middle east and realize the real threat Europe has against the entire world .
February 20, 2007 10:58 AM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on February 20, 2007 10:58
"In Europe, more people get killed than in the United States."
In what parts of Europe? Ex-Yougoslavia I guess. Care to give sources?
"No wonder, the EU is a socialist dictatorship and they dream of 'Global Governance' a.k.a. 'Global Dictatorship' - that's the only way socialism could survive."
Sure, that's why the EU is working on breaking Nationalized companies monopolies and have the countries respect the liberalist principles on competition, etc. That's so very communist indeed ^ _ ^
I'm undecided on whether you are a fake poster having fun or really living in your own world...
February 20, 2007 6:29 AM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on February 20, 2007 06:29
France, Germany, and Russia made their deals with Iraq during the embargo back in the 1990's. They sold WMD and weapons to Saddam Hussein and at the same time to Iran. That's why they have been against the war in Iraq - they lost a lot money because Saddam Hussein hasn't paid his debts. Shiz happens.
If someone is saying that Europe is a peaceful place, then I can say that's wrong. In Europe, more people get killed than in the United States. The statistics in Europe are faked, the reality is slightly different. No wonder, the EU is a socialist dictatorship and they dream of 'Global Governance' a.k.a. 'Global Dictatorship' - that's the only way socialism could survive. By the way, their military arm are the terrorists we are fighting. 9/11 was planned in Hamburg, Germany, and supported by European countries. So what?
Back to topic. It's time to nuke Iran and to liberate the people from dictatorship! www.ncr-iran.org
February 20, 2007 5:09 AM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on February 20, 2007 05:09
Mr. Konstandaras,
Not counting Afghanistan and Iraq, since WWII, US has bombed 19 countries (for their own good, of course). Now, if say, Canada had such a record, what would we think of Canada?
February 19, 2007 4:55 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on February 19, 2007 16:55
Polls are only a snapshot taken at one point in time. Circumstances can change and so can opinions and poll results. Some one once said that polls are for dogs and you know what they do on them.
February 19, 2007 3:55 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on February 19, 2007 15:55
Iraq was invaded by a BS coalition, i.e. that of the Brainwashed, the Blackmailed, the Bribed, the Bullied and the Blind, against the will of the vast majority of the British, the Spaniards, the Italians, the Australians, the Japanese, etc. Some of the countries represented were at best micro countries, which is why their names were so seldom mentionned (one had to refer to "official" lists in order to find out).
"Coalition of the willing" -- so much irony in that expression!
As a matter of fact, that coalition was never anything other than a cheap mini loincloth for naked US agression.
February 19, 2007 1:09 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on February 19, 2007 13:09
"If Americans are all rednecks, why is antisemitism so much worse in all of Europe than in America?"...
And just what is your evidence of this? Europe as a whole is a far more tolerant and pluralist place than the United States today, presided over as it is by an ignoramus whose political base is made up of a bunch of intolerant Christian fundamentalists and Southern racists. A far more tolerant and law-abiding place than the U.S., which illegally abducts, tortures and abuses civilians without charge and, often, without evidence.
It always amazes me when the most paranoid of U.S. Jews, without a doubt one of the most privileged and politically influential minority groups in the world (and I say that with admiration), so often invoke the spectre of anti-Semitism when so many other forms of racism -- against blacks, Arabs, Latinos, gypsies and gays -- are so much more virulent and dangerous in the world today. News flash: the Holocaust happened more than half a century ago, and Jews today are hardly the persecuted, suffering victims of World-War-II-era Europe.
U.S. crimes against humanity, on the other hand, are an indisputable, documented reality. We see them in Guantanamo, at Abu Ghraib, in the illegal U.S.-led war that is destabilizing the entire Middle East, in the arms race being fuelled by the current U.S. administration, in the global warming being fuelled by U.S. policies, and in the lawless, might-makes-right approach of the U.S. administration which holds that everyone else must obey international law, but not the U.S.
February 19, 2007 10:51 AM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on February 19, 2007 10:51
I found Jurgen's comments a truly amazing rewrite of history. Has he forgotten already that the "country" that invaded Iraq also included Britain, Poland, Italy, Spain etc. Oh, of course, I know ... the U.S. *made* you do it. You had no choice!
Except, strangely enough, some other European countries did opt out of the war. How strange.
I don't support the war, but I also don't support such dangerous and sweeping inaccuracies. You Europeans are not perfect either.
February 19, 2007 10:14 AM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on February 19, 2007 10:14
My hat is off to Paulo and his post. His words are direct and to the point. The US has created such a turmoil in the mid-east that there will never be peace in our life-times (if ever). And why? Oil-Oil-Oil. Western democracy will never work in this part of the world, period. The US is rather brain-washed with their news coverages. I wonder how many of them really know that the value of the dollar has declined rapidly over the past few years? I would venture to say that when Saddam Hussein changed their oil trading currency from dollars to euros, that this upset the US? We will never know. It is a shame that Russia is not (yet) the world power that it once was. The US would not be parading around the world from country to country trying to set up their lopsided trade agreements and disrupting that country's day-to-day living. One of the democrats in the newly elected congress said it best "America needs to regain its position as 'Peacemaker' not 'Warmonger'".
February 19, 2007 9:16 AM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on February 19, 2007 09:16
If it wasn't for the USA today, the Europeans would be killing themselvs as they did in the past centuries.
We have American soldiers buried all over Western Europe, in order for the Europeans to live in peace. I got lucky, I came back from WW2 in one piece.
My family has always said that our great-grandparents were very smart. They got on a slow ship to America.
February 19, 2007 7:05 AM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on February 19, 2007 07:05
Wayne -- Where were the American armoured divisions situated? (that were going to stop the russians attacking America) On the plains of Kansas? NO! They were on the plains of central europe. (Collateral Damage anyone?).
February 19, 2007 4:14 AM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on February 19, 2007 04:14
American Republicans must think europeans are as stupid as they are. The Liberals on the other hand who have always tended towards Global co-operation instead of Global profiteering have a chance of resolving the conflict in the middle-east.If anything can be salvaged from the Republicans military adventure in Iraq, Democrats are going to be the ones to do it.
February 19, 2007 3:43 AM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on February 19, 2007 03:43
I'M FROM MEXICO AND I FEW DAYS BEFORE AL QAEDA IS THREATENING SOME COUNTRYS LIKE MEXICO VENEZUELA AND CANADA FOR BEEN SUPPLIERS OF OIL TO THE UNITED STATES . I THINK THE CONFLICT BETWEEN IRAN AND THE U.S. IT'S GOING TO INVOLVE SOONER OR LATER MORE COUNTRYS FOR BEEN SUPPLIERS IN THE U.S. POLICIES EUROPE AND MIDDLE EASTERNS COUNTRIES IS INVOLVE IN THE ENTIRE CONFLICT FIRST BETWEEN U.S. AND IRAQ NOW . U.S. AND IRAN . THEN U.S. AND SYRIA. , NORTH KOREA JAPAN CHINA RUSSIA COME ON THIS IS INSANE. IN A FEW YEARS THE ENTIRE WORLD IT'S GOING TO TURN IN 2 SIDES BLACK AND WHITE WHO ONLY GOD CAN SAID WHO IS BAD AND WHO IS GOOD.. I THINK THE BIGGER THREAT IN THE WORLD IS THE UNITED STATES AND ISRAEL . FOR BEEN SUPPORTED OF THE STATE OF ISRAEL .. AND I HATE WHEN THE UNITED STATES CALLS ALL THE STATES OF TERRORISM, WHAT ARE THEY SMOKING, THIS IS LIKE BABYS GAME.. THE UNITED STATES POLICY IS LIKE IF YOU AREN'T WITH US IN OWR INTEREST THEN YOU ARE TERRORIST.. IS THIS A JOKE??. I BELIEVE THAT SOONER OR LATER THE UNITED STATES GONNA BE ALONE WITH THE ENTIRE WORLD AGAINST .. THE WAR IN IRAQ IS ALMOST THE ONE TRILLION DOLLARS . WHERE IS THE MONEY.. ? WITH THAT MONEY COULD BE SPENDING IN WORLD POVERTY.. BUT WHEN THE UNITED STATES STAY ALONE WITH THE REST OF THE WORLD THEN WHY , WHY IS ALONE THIS COUNTRY AND WHY AGAIN THE POPPY OF EUROPE IS WITHOUT NOT GUILTY . I THINK THE MESS IN THE MIDDLE EAST IS FROM WW2 AND THE NAZI CRIMES ..AND I BELIEVE THE ONLY RESPONSIBLE COUNTRY IS EUROPE . AND THE SHADOW OF THE NAZI CRIMES STILL ALIVE..AND DEFINITLLY EUROPE HAS TO PAY THE PRICE OF THEIR CRIMES AGAINST HUMANITY.. IT'S A BAD AND SAD SITUATION THAT THE UNITED STATES IS BACKING EUROPE AND HIS CRIMES .. AND EUROPE NOW WANTS TO LEAVE IT ALONE IN THE MESS IN THE MIDDLE EAST . AND CLEAN THEIR HANDS ABOUT THE MESS THEY START IT IN THE WORLD WAR II .. I THINK IS A SHAME FOR THE UNITED STATES TO BE A BLIND ABOUT WHO IS THE REAL ENEMY HERE . AND I THINK THE ONLY ENEMY AND REAL TREATH OF THE WORLD IS EUROPE.. AND THE SHADOW OF HITLER STILL ALIVE IN THIS WORLD .. AND THE REAL INOCENTS ARE THE ISLAMIC PEOPLE AND PALESTINES .. MAYBE THE UNITED STATES HAVE TO REALIZE WHO IS THE REAL ENEMY HERE,, EUROPÈ IN THEIR HIDING PLACE .. THE REAL RERRORIST ARE EUROPE .. AND UNITED STATES WITH HIS REAL POWER AND CONSTITUTION.. OF FREDOM IS PURE BUT IN THE WRONG SIDE WITH THE EUROPEANS COUNTRIES ... AND AMERICA IS SUPORTING THEM IN BLINDNESS .. AND THE UNITED STATES ARE THE COUNTRY WHO IS SLEEPING WITH THE ENEMIE ..
February 18, 2007 4:27 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on February 18, 2007 16:27
I am on the left and I didn't vote for George Bush. However, I think that Ahamdinejad means what he says. I have no faith in the prudence of Iran's leadership to stop him.
The Europeans would be willing to sit back and watch Ahamdinejad destroy Israel and do nothing about it. It looks like the 1930s all over again and Ahamdinejad's threat is being ignored the way Hitler was ignored.
Paulo, if Americans are all rednecks, why is antisemitism so much worse in all of Europe than in America? There isn't a single European country that I would feel safe living in, including the UK or Greece. Jews in Europe are now being equally squeezed by antisemitism on the left and on the right.
February 18, 2007 3:37 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on February 18, 2007 15:37
@OLD ATLANTIC
You're Welcome! Well, you're are absolutely right! God bless you!
February 18, 2007 3:26 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on February 18, 2007 15:26
Hey, you American rednecks, go ahead and pop your blood vessels in indignation at the fact that we Europeans no longer respect you. We don't really care. Your empire is in decline. Your credibility is shattered. You are making enemies the world over with your ignorant macho swagger. Until you realize that America has to abide by the same rules as all the rest of us, you will continue to fade into irrelevance. The rest of the world is moving on as you struggle to extricate yourselves from the mess you've created in the Middle East and beyond.
February 18, 2007 3:05 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on February 18, 2007 15:05
Most of the posts above were written by the same person. And oh, by the way, don't we all admire the "Kraut"s command of American English idiom.
Get real.
February 18, 2007 1:45 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on February 18, 2007 13:45
Polls distort? All the time. Polls also mislead. Some would say that is why they sometimes exist.
Problem begins when for months (sometimes years), polls confirm one another... more particularly, as in this case, when results come from many parts of the world (not only from Europe).
"Consistent distortion" is an interesting concept. It may deserve closer attention...
February 18, 2007 12:12 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on February 18, 2007 12:12
Mike is right, the United States of America has been the greatest nation in the history of the world. It has been the birthplace or real, practical, and enduring democratic government. It has represented the dream of freedom and equality of opportunity. And, it has fought for democracy throughout the world. In fact, without the United States democracy and liberty would probably have died during the time of World War II. However, America has changed since the fall of the Soviet Union. The US is a tremendous potential and real threat to world democracy and liberty. The Bush/Cheney administration invaded a defenseless foreign nation, advocated torture as state policy, declared their right to spy on American citizens, etc. Europeans must help Americans resist these enemies of democracy and equality of opportunity.
February 18, 2007 10:03 AM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on February 18, 2007 10:03
German Voice: is right. Thanks for the warm words.
European leftist elites are engaged in the destruction of Europe. They are clasping Muslim immigration to the breast of Europe like Cleopatra clasped the asp, because they knew it would bite and kill them.
European frustration at America is transference of the frustration at the Muslims in their midst who are an enemy within. That is their real enemy and real threat. But America can't come over and deal with that, the Europeans have to deal with that problem on their own and now.
February 18, 2007 8:54 AM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on February 18, 2007 08:54
Oh look a bunch of old world wanna be's are throwing rocks at the throne again. Shut up Europe, no one cares at all what you have to say. At the same time they can get away with this bull because they know we will dig them out of any problems. They will thank us and cheer until a couple years later they will be right back to being jealous.
February 18, 2007 5:02 AM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on February 18, 2007 05:02
To Mike,
Turkey did not invade North Cyprus, we saved our brothers in Northern Cyprus because thousands of Turks were killed by Greek Cypriots during the 60s and 70s. Also Let's not forget the liberation of North Cyprus by Turkey was triggered by the Greek military junta who attempted to unite Cyprus with Greece. How foolish to think that Cyprus can unite with Greece !!
Today after years the Greek cypriots are still racists and refusing to unite with the Turks at the north. Yet the world who is supporting Kosovas independence does not care about the plight of Turks in North Cyprus.
February 18, 2007 4:49 AM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on February 18, 2007 04:49
We (Americans) should have let Hitler have his way with all of Europe. All biggest mistake was to help Europe in WWII and WWI, we are paying that price now. Let this be a lesson for all future generations... Of course, Europe is currently being overrun by Radical Islam, so their fate is sealed. So complain all you want now... You'll be bowing to Allah soon enough... good luck on that one...
February 18, 2007 4:04 AM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on February 18, 2007 04:04
Lets face reality, all United States of America administrations and British Governments since 1974 are responsible for the debacle that has let to the occupation of Northern Cyprus by Turkey and the unlawful creation of the self styled Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
It is time for the legitimate government of the Republic of Cyprus to kick the British and their American friends out of the Military Bases they are occupying on Cypriot soil.
The British operate the bases and from there supply information to the Americans.
If they love the Turks so much they should get out of Cyprus and move their operations to sovereign Turkish soil.
The Turks invaded Cyprus in 1974 with the blessing of the British and the Americans. The Turks asked for permission before invading Cyprus.
It is interesting how the Syrians pulled out of Lebanon when told to do so by the Americans after some 30 years of occupation. The Americans have had every opportunity over the last thirty – three years to do the same with the Turks in Cyprus yet they have not done so.
It is a proven fact that the Turks cannot be trusted and yet the Americans and the British bend over backwards to appease them. The Americans and the British at all levels will stop at nothing to push the Turkish cause.
I just hope that the Kurds in both Turkey, Iraq and Iran get strong enough to give the Turks and their American and British friends the flogging that is justly deserved.
February 18, 2007 2:51 AM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on February 18, 2007 02:51
To any Europeans that may be reading this:
Not all Americans are blind=patriotic rednecks with a love it or leave it attitude, we just have a few morons over here who need to make up for the fact that they are small in the pants as well as being small in the mind.
February 18, 2007 2:18 AM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on February 18, 2007 02:18
Europe fears an isolationist America?
Ha! That's a funny one.
A bit too late to realize that, Euros.
Because that is exactly what your "leaders" have guaranteed is coming. Their obstructionism in global politics, their economic warfare on our companies, and your constant stream of anti-american vitriol against our citizens is working and will soon achieve its desired goal. Europe wants America off the global stage in the worst way and that is exactly the way you are going to get it.
The day is coming, within the decade if not sooner, when Americans, tired of being the planet's whipping boys tell the rest of the world "Go to hell".
Sadly, it will and while we can do without you better than you can do without us, this realization will hit you far too late to do any of us any good. For in this particular greek tragedy the point of no return came and when the day France and its corrupt euro-cronies, bought and paid for with Saddam's oil money, made the invasion of Iraq inevitable.
Nothing good will come of this, for us or you, but at least we'll have the satisfaction of standing by doing nothing as Europe burns.
Next time trouble knocks on your doors, whether its russian kleptocrats or islamic fundamentalists, make no mistake: you'll receive neither help nor pity from us.
Next time, you're on your own.
Good luck, suckers!
February 18, 2007 1:54 AM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on February 18, 2007 01:54
Why don't the nations of Europe help the United States stabilize Iraq and fight terrorism instead of complaining about the US as being threat to the world.
February 18, 2007 1:41 AM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on February 18, 2007 01:41
If you want affordable oil then find a way to like the U.S.
February 18, 2007 1:25 AM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on February 18, 2007 01:25
I'm a Kraut and I stand with the United States of America - the greatest Nation ever! If someone is against America, then he is against me too!
Here in Germany, and also in Europe, the NAZIS and Commmunists are still alive, therefore, it's no wonder, that anti-Americanism is wide spreaded across Europe. The reason is, is that the news-media are censored, so the people do not know, what's really going on. All news they get are one-sided.
However, Americans should give a big nothing about what the European hardheads are talking, because it's part of the NAZI-Propaganda here in Europe, especially here in Germany. In addition, Europe is a safe haven for terrorists.
America is doing great and there's nothing wrong with it! Iran is a dictatorship and the people over there cannot wait to get liberated. So what?
Thanks to the finest and brightest men and women of the United States - Our Troops!
Support the Troops at www.AmericaSupportsYou.mil
God bless America, Our Troops and their Families!
February 18, 2007 1:17 AM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on February 18, 2007 01:17
I wonder just how much different things would have turned out had the Europeans said "Ok, the US screwed up and we're not happy about it, but it is too important to see Iraq fail so we are going to send in troops and funding to help so that this part of the world remains stable"? This is a fantasy of course because even when Europe itself was in the grips of a war (Kosovo) the Europeans stuck their heads in the sand and waited for the Americans to step in and do the heavy lifting.
Given that Iraq and Iran are on the door step of Europe, I suggest that the US tell the Europeans - "You know, you were right, we were wrong. We are now leaving. Since you know better, best of luck in figuring it out yourselves."
There is no question that the Bush administration was incompetent in it's planning and execution in post-invasion Iraq. We can let history be the final judge there. What's critical now, is that anyone with a vested interest in peace in the Middle East (i.e. every country who contemplates using oil over the next 10 years)get past the "I told you so" gloating and do something to help make Iraq a stable place. The joy value to Europe and the World of being able to see America fail is outweighed a hundred times by the cost (to them) if America actually does.
And you never know, having America see that others are actually willing to share some of the heavy lifting may reset America's entire World perspective that it stands alone in this category. And once that perspective changes, Europe may be amazed at how America's foreign policy may start aligning with how Europe believes it should look.
(
February 18, 2007 12:57 AM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on February 18, 2007 00:57
i hope iran takes over europeans maybe we americans wont save you again like we did in ww2 peace my euro brothers
February 18, 2007 12:47 AM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on February 18, 2007 00:47
What an ignorant thing to say, that the U.S. is a bigger threat than Iran, I just wonderv what europeans would with Iran if American might was absent.
February 18, 2007 12:20 AM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on February 18, 2007 00:20
Konstandaras, that's all very comforting but I hate to tell you that Europeans are not idiots and understand perfectly well the polling questions they are answering. Most believe, as we have every reason to believe, that the U.S. is indeed a far greater threat to world peace than Iran. The evidence is before us already: which country invaded Iraq on false pretenses and has undermined the stability of the entire Middle East for at least a generation? That country is the U.S., not Iran. So we are quite right to believe the U.S. to be a greater threat to world peace than Iran. Please don't patronize us.
February 17, 2007 11:09 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on February 17, 2007 23:09