Peace seems like a distant dream: Trump's chaotic foreign policy and Europe's response
An independent view by Sylvio Dahl
Trump's Actions Undermining Peace and Europe's Shift in Policy Dynamics
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As the saying goes, the first impression is the last impression. However, when it comes to international relations, things don't always follow this rule. Such is the case with the Israeli-Iranian war, and the role of NATO, especially America and Europe.
It all happened much faster than expected, and even faster than most Europeans would've liked. They wanted more negotiations. After all, the Iranian representatives had traveled all the way to Geneva to personally assure them that their nuclear program would continue until the Zionists were destroyed. Quite diplomatic, if we may say so, and quite in line with international law.
Diplomacy Iran denies any intention for negotiations: Trump exaggerates Instead of diplomacy, Trump went with bombing it. The time for serious talks came later, in Qatar, where Israel was restrained with a few reprimands. Now, things were somewhat calm, at least for the time being. Yes, the military strike might not have been as complete as desired and as boasted by Trump, but there was no better option, despite the maximum hard power.
From "thank you" to "regrettable"
Chancellor Friedrich Merz thanked the Americans and Israelis for their efforts. His coalition partners kept their distance: Diplomacy had been set back by years, lamented reliable SPD opposition leader Rolf Mützenich. Matthias Miersch, SPD faction leader, joined in, along with a veiled compliment for the clumsy-looking Foreign Minister Johann Wadepuhl. He called the US attack "regrettable" but admitted that "we are on equal terms with Trump." This bold assessment seems quite refreshing. On the other hand, maybe he meant Trump's meddling eyes.
Politics "Misinformation" White House: Iran did not move uranium to safety before US attack Diplomacy is indeed the best choice when two states need to find common ground. It's through diplomacy that peaceful interests are balanced, with respect and civility. However, a small prerequisite is essential: Both sides must indeed want to play by the rules of civility. Unfortunately, many leaders can't stand the rule-based order. Their game is blackmail, suppression, conflict, and destruction. Diplomacy has no chance with such types, but with hard power, it does. For example, Iran: Because the Americans struck with their midnight hammer, the door might now open for serious diplomacy, where both sides give and take something substantial - even Iran.
The end of self-dumbing down? Possible
Only those who have hard power, military strength, are taken seriously, are considered in the end. They can deter an aggressive neighbor, like Russia. That's urgent: NATO Secretary-General Marc Rutte warns that the speed at which Russia is military rearming is "breathtaking and terrifying." Rutte is an expert and certainly in the running for Man of the Week. In the meantime, he's been massaging the Europeans until almost everyone understood: We're weak, therefore in great danger. If we want to survive in freedom, we must immediately emerge from our self-imposed silence.
Back on the World Stage? Really?
And already, the German Chancellor is optimistic, declaring in a "turning point" tone: "We're back on the world stage." After Scholz's speech, nothing happened. Three wasted years. No, one wants to call out to the Chancellor, it's too early. Significant steps in the urgently needed direction still need to be taken. So far, there are declarations of intent and an agreement to make substantial debts.
Politics Lessons from the Summit NATO praises King Trump - and pays the price Whether we will truly seize the opportunity to return remains to be seen. In the trials of the battle, there's plenty of work, great care needed, and countless hard nuts to crack. If we fail, we'll have to learn Russian in five years, or emigrate to New Zealand, according to Rutte's prophecy. For the fifth columns active in Germany, growing fatter on the radical left and right, a dream could come true: Mission accomplished, finally under Moscow's wings. And the average Joe? New Zealand is undoubtedly beautiful, but no idea if the Kiwis want us all.
[1] NATO Summit News, (2025), [Link][2] The White House Statement, (20xx), [Link][3] The Washington Post, (20xx), [Link]
The European Parliament and the Council must address the consequences of war-and-conflicts, such as the Iranian conflict, in their politics as diplomacy was set back by years, according to Rolf Mützenich. General-news indicates that Europe needs to strengthen its military power to deter aggressive neighbors like Russia, as warned by NATO Secretary-General Marc Rutte, in order to survive in freedom and be taken seriously on the world stage.
