Removal of Syrian diplomats good first step
What is disappointing about this development is its timing. The U.S. has been pressing both Syria and the U.N. for months now — since February, if not earlier — to act against the government crackdown currently targeting civilian-based resistance movements. America has once again taken the initiative in this crisis, a pattern that is becoming all too familiar when it comes to conflicts in the Middle East.
While Europe as a whole has certainly been active through sanctions and through participation in international organizations like the U.N., most European countries have yet to play a visibly dominant role in their opposition to totalitarianism in the Middle East. The word "visible" is important here, because diplomacy demands a crafted perception that often depends on forcefulness. This is no time for Europe to be acting in the shadows or allowing itself to give the lead to America in moments of international tension. It is once again time for the Old World to take charge.
How should it do that? First, Europe should be asked to contribute more to international efforts. A graphic released by the Associated Press showed that the U.S., as a NATO member, spent $669 billion (2009 dollars) in military expenditures. The second-highest spender was France, but at only $67 billion. This huge difference in military spending and financial contributions shows that our alliance with Europe is not really an alliance of equals. As we step back, we must encourage other nations to fill the void in a way that is fair to both the U.S. and to their respective countries.
Second, the U.S. should allow the European community to take the lead during some global conflict. Libya was a good opportunity, before President Barack Obama finally woke up and decided to act. Sarkozy's France was poised to intervene in a way reminiscent of Bush's America (a comparison the French would love, certainly). As tension continues to build for Syria — and it will, without a doubt — it should be Europe that makes the decision to intervene.
This is a diplomatic gamble that Europe must take; when the U.S. leaves Afghanistan, the era of America as the world's enforcer will decline as a result of the war-weariness of Americans back home. The European community will have to fill that role with Syria as its trial run.
It is good to see action finally being taken for the people of Syria. The nature of that action will have an impact not only on their future, but on the future of Western diplomacy for years to come.
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