German Editorials on the Missile Shield: ‘The Time for Confrontation is Over’ – Financial Times Deutschland

Continuing with our global coverage of President Obama’s decision to put an end to Bush-era anti-missile bases in East Europe, this is a German editorial roundup of nine regional newspapers from the Financial Times Deutschland.

They are unanimously supportive of ditching the bases. For example, medium-sized newspaper, the Fuldaer Zeitung of Fulda, opines on the president’s decision:

“From a diplomatic point of view, Obama’s move must be welcomed. He has opened the door for more relaxed and normal relations with the Russians. Now we can only hope that his strategic U-turn will bring about the intended positive consequences. Otherwise, the situation Obama confronts in the U.S. as well as the wider world will become so problematic that the Bush Mafia may regain the upper hand in Washington.”

REGIONAL EDITORIAL ROUNDUP

Translated By Ulf Behncke

September 19, 2009

Germany – Financial Times Deutschland – Original Article (German)

Leipziger Volkszeitung

“With the reversal of his predecessor’s policy of strength, U.S. President Obama has put on record a cost-benefit analysis which says: The time of confrontation with Russia is over; the U.S. draws no benefit from threats. Of course, Obama’s abandonment of the plan shows neither weakness nor rejection of the declared purpose of preventing Iran’s ascent as a nuclear power. On the contrary: Those who want to have an influence on Iran’s nuclear plans must take national interests into account – so Obama must refrain from alienating its close ally, Russia. Even Obama’s goal of a nuclear-free world cannot be achieved without disarmament. Up to now the U.S. defense system has instead worked as catalyst for the expansion of the nuclear potential of Iran and North Korea.

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