Davids Medienkritik

Remember the enthusiasm about Germany’s patient, nuanced, diplomatic approach vis-à-vis Iran?

Schröder thanks Fischer for his role in successful negotiating effort in Iran Thu, 10/23/2003

Speaking at a cabinet meeting Chancellor Gerhard Schröder thanked Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer for his part in the successful negotiating effort carried out by three EU foreign ministers in Iran. The results of their trip demonstrate the success of a strategy of cooperation, Schröder said.

Sure. Not the kind of shoot-from-the-hip approach so typical for a certain American administration… The good old European tactic. Patient. Result oriented. Cooperative.

And here’s the rest of the story, as they say:

EU: Statecraft not working on Iran; sanctions seem vital

Oct. 18, 2006
The European Union said its diplomacy is failing to curb Iran’s nuclear program and the United Nations should act on U.S.-led demands for sanctions against the Islamic nation.

EU foreign ministers said the door is open for the U.N. Security Council to discuss sanctions against Iran for refusing to stop uranium enrichment, which can be used for nuclear power or bombs. Europe is offering Iran trade benefits in return for halting the nuclear activity.
“It’s unavoidable that the Security Council will now take up deliberations with the goal of a resolution and the first step on sanctions,” German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said at a meeting with his EU counterparts Tuesday in Luxembourg.