March 21, 2004

Just say 'Nein'

By Michael Morris
The German chancellor, Gerhard Schroeder, has been letting it be known, in a rather forceful manner, that Germany deserves to occupy a permanent seat on the UN Security Council. He's telling anyone who'll listen to him that Germany —— after over half a century of rehab —— is finally ready to take on her global responsibilities. As if we'd be glad to hear such news.   At present, the only five nations which hold a coveted permanent seat are the US, Britain, China, France, and Russia.   Some Europeans may of course disagree, but that line—up already contains enough volatility without introducing Germany into the veto zone.   Not that there is anything wrong with Germany per se; it's just that after having observed the display of histrionics at the UN during the run—up to the Iraq war, it has struck many of us that there are probably three permanent seats too many as it is.   Apart from the outright cheek of such a request from...(Read Full Article)