German Anti-Americanism

From Belgravia Dispatch today:

Some comments on Schroeder and then an explanation of the anger at America from a German reader:

Anti-Americanism is not new. For anyone who has spent time in Germany listening to the talk on the streets it’s apparent that a long-term security alliance can never rid a society of its prejudices. It’s understandable that defeat and occupation culminating in an alliance of necessity does not breed admiration. But compounding post-war resentment were Cold War expectations. A constant theme of the German-American relationship during the Cold War was the German desire for a partnership of equals. That was an unrealistic goal. There can be no equality when one nation’s social and economic well-being depend on another nation’s security guarantee.

And more:

As a member of the NATO alliance, the majority of German defense costs during the Cold War were borne by the United States, freeing up valuable GDP for social entitlements. And while Germany can continue to starve its military without consequence, it cannot influence strategic events any longer by virtue of its geography. For half a century Germany was at the center of American security policy. Germany had grown used to being consulted on every nuance of Cold War diplomacy. Then came 9-11 and a strategic shift took place that Germany has still not comprehended. It is neither the focus of American foreign policy nor America’s most important ally. Military events in Pakistan and economic developments in India are of far more importance to U.S. security and economic well-being. But Germany labors under the illusion that its interests should continue to be of vital importance to the United States as if it were the natural state of affairs and any deviation from the Cold War arrangement lacks legitimacy. Germany’s failure to influence U.S. actions subsequent to 9-11 is cited as evidence of American unilateralism rather than a changed strategic environment where it no longer enjoys a privileged position.

These are uncomfortable facts that demand change, something Germans do not willingly embrace. Unfortunately, its Chancellor won an election by pandering to latent anti-Americanism, increasing the probability it will be used to gain political
advantage in the future. While that may be a safe response to the latest opinion polls, it is no substitute for national policy.

That's the crux of the issue. They need us more than we need them. And European anti-Semitism is at a post-Nazi high.

The blame of those ye better
The hate of those ye guard-
The cry of those ye humor
Ah, slowly toward the light:
"Why brought ye us from bondage,
Our loved Egyptian (heathen) night?"