21/02/2005 8:04:59 am
Bush in Brussels. This night, President Bush landed in a Brussels which had prepared for days in the streets for his visit, not least due to expected protests. Obviously, a mere 1000 protesters - among them The Committee for Right-Wing Extremists and Nationalists Against Nato - turned out. Bush is in Europe to heal past differences over Iraq. Of course it takes two to tango, but basically it should be the other way around: the countries in Europe that wanted Saddam Hussein to remain in power should do everything they can to forget that past. This meeting in Brussels will offer great opportunity to take such steps, for example to state clearly by all the EU governments that Europe shares the aims of the US as outlined by President Bush: to promote freedom in the world. Or in the words of Mr Bush in the inaugural speech of January 20th:

"So it is the policy of the United States to seek and support the growth of democratic movements and institutions in every nation and culture, with the ultimate goal of ending tyranny in our world."

Could a common cause ever be founded upon a more dignified purpose? Are we to avoid a clash of civilizations, we have to realize the clash of systems ? between oppression and freedom. And we have to support freedom. We accept and allow all religions, but we take a stand against any fanaticism. An alliance of freedom between the US and Europe would be a strong force for democracy in the Middle East ? and for acceptance of religious differences and better integration in our own societies.



President Bush and wife Laura arrive in Brussels