"Europeans dream of a genial post-Bush world, but it won't be genial."

Luxembourg's PM, Jean-Claude Juncker, wrote an editorial (the title translates as "Elections will change the world but a little") for the Rheinische Merkur on what Europeans hope to get out of the American (and Russian) elections. It's not good. He writes that most Europeans feel that nothing more can be won, particularly in Iraq, and are looking forward to retracting their overstretched military forces. The candidates, in a effort to appear to support the troops, claim that they will push for greater European involvement (particularly in Afghanistan in order to reposition forces in Iraq). There's bound to be great disenchantment with any new administration from Europeans, who will be looking for the door, not more collaboration.

Though Juncker's observations may not seem germane to the race itself, I am disappointed that both Clinton and Obama really haven't talked about diplomacy. They talk about foreign powers as extensions of the American government. Indeed, if either of them thinks that they will charm Europe into supporting our wars, they will have to show much more FP experience that they have combined.

Diplomacy puts Middle America to sleep, especially at a time when vast
numbers of them are more worried about the price of food, gas, and health.
Diplomacy is important as hell, but its importance is not as vital to people
when they are having difficulty making ends meet.

Hillary was on the road a LOT during Bill Clinton's administration, and did
us a lot of good (not always a smashing success, but she walked the walk)
while she was first spouse. Although not as an ambassador or anything, Obama
has lived abroad and through his unique family background HAS to realize how
important relations with other countries (both friend and foe) are. He has
indicated as much, as far as I can tell.

I am confident that both of them would pay the necessary attention to diplomacy
once in office. I also think they are probably right not to emphasize it during
the campaign because (unfortunately) 85% of the electorate won't understand what
in the world they are talking about. McCain certainly doesn't. McCain thinks that
a diplomatic mission abroad means going to the Green Zone armed to the teeth.

But it speaks ill of Clinton's expertise and Obama's honesty that they frame the future of the war against al-Qaedi in these terms. The cavalry isn't coming of the Dardenelles.