Crimea crisis highlights Germany's aversion to being in the vanguard

[unhappycamper]

http://www.latimes.com/world/europe/la-fg-germany-ukraine-20140402,0,2284669.story



Many in the West want Angela Merkel to lead a strong European response to Russia. But that role doesn't come easily to her or Germany.

Crimea crisis highlights Germany's aversion to being in the vanguard
By Henry Chu
April 2, 2014, 4:00 a.m.

LONDON — It was a German-born Russian empress, Catherine the Great, who first annexed Crimea more than two centuries ago. Can another strong-willed German woman — who keeps a portrait of Catherine in her Berlin office as a symbol of visionary leadership — loosen Russia's renewed grip on the peninsula?

Many in the West are pinning their hopes on Angela Merkel, Germany's long-serving chancellor, to stand at the forefront of a potent, united response by Europe to Russia's seizure of Crimea from Ukraine. Alongside fellow European officials, Merkel has categorically condemned the takeover and warned Moscow of the consequences, including possible economic sanctions.

Whether she feels comfortable as the conductor rather than just singing in the chorus, however, isn't as clear.

To take the lead would be something of a leap for the normally cautious Merkel and for the country she heads, which has studiously shunned a front-line role in European foreign policy since its disastrous history at the center of two world wars.

[Jesus Malverde]

1. Catherine the Great

Killed while being serviced by a horse...



I got nothing..

[cprise]

2. "F*CK THE EU!"

It works.

[KoKo]

3. Facsinating Read...

Thanks. I've wondered if there's a good Bio out there for Angela. I've been meaning to do a search.

She's such an interesting person. We don't seem to "dig into the weeds" these days into how world leaders have come to the forefont. Wicki is usually good. But, I miss reading those old Bio's by folks who would did into anecdotes and remembrances from those who knew World Leaders throughout their formative years.

I'm going to eventually get into trying to find some really "GOOD READ BIO" of how she came to power past the informative WIKI and into something more Historical with Narrative.

Recommend!