After the Trump administration’s decision unilaterally to exit the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, Europe’s anger turned quickly to resignation, as companies moved to sever ties with Tehran lest they suffer retaliation from Washington.
Germany is now calling for a reset in the nature of trans-Atlantic relations that will give Europe more autonomy to create foreign policy free of US coercion. The shift would have to include a change to the global payments system, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas wrote in Handelsblatt on Tuesday:
“In this situation, it is of strategic importance that we clearly tell Washington: We want to work together. But we will not let you go over our heads. Therefore, it is right to protect European companies from legal sanctions.
“As such, it is essential that we strengthen European autonomy by setting up payment channels independent of the US, creating a European Monetary Fund and building an independent SWIFT system. The devil is in a thousand details. But every day the [Iran nuclear] deal persists is better than the high-explosive crisis that otherwise threatens the Middle East.”
He went on to articulate an alliance for multilateralism, suggesting that while the US is welcome to join, Donald Trump’s America is not included.
“We are seeking an alliance for multilateralism – a network of partners who, like us, are committed to binding rules and fair competition. The first who I have met with are Japan, Canada and South Korea; others are to follow. This alliance is not a rigid, exclusive club of well-wishers,” Maas wrote.
“The door is wide open – especially the USA.” he added.
The US really must become a normal Republic rather than an Empire. The world is tired of the way the US conducts its affairs in the world. This is why the Germans, and eveyone else, is moving in the direction laid out by the German foreign minister.
It will happen everywhere. This is not just propaganda; it is a fact which can be confirmed by taking an intellectual stroll outside of the US/NATO propaganda bubble.
Anytime Asia, Europe, want to takeover the world payment system or reduce the dollar’s weight from approximately 60% to 20 – 25% will be fine with me.
I don’t foresee Merkel, Abe, Macron, Xi, stepping up to the plate, however. It gets expensive when investors buy your currency for no other reason than you are part of the payment system.
About time that Germany assert itself.
Some one has to bell the cat. Well done Germany it is only this nation having courage to horness current madness of Trump. So please do it swiftly. Great is Germany.
Jeff Voeks Israel tells Trump what to do. Iran is not making atomic bombs and Trump knows that !!!!!
America signed a deal with IRAN. Only a clown doesn’t respect a deal.
Jeff Voeks
But the method Trump applying is incorrect. It is dialouge era and not of coercion or pressure. He opted better approach for Korea but for Iran he is dancing on the tune of Israel.