Middle Eastern Democracy

The unfolding tale of Middle Eastern Democratic revolution seems like an unlikely subject to link to the European Union. Not however if you are Timothy Garton Ash.

Calling for a greater European role he comments that: This is an agenda for the whole of the EU. America's role is unique, but it also has unique disadvantages. Institutionally, this means passing the constitutional treaty and giving adequate powers to the EU's prospective foreign minister, Javier Solana.

At the very least you have to admit it’s a creative argument. It does however ignore the fact that any kind of coherent European Foreign Policy is likely to focus mainly on stopping the USA get what it wants and in supporting dictators. Its difficult to see how a policy based mainly on sulking and whining could achieve anything else.