Germany and the US : Angela Merkel's lesson for Donald Trump

The setting could hardly have been more appropriate. Deep down in the new building complex of the Federal intelligence service in Berlin's Chaussee street, in the conference room with the digital times displayed in New York, London, Berlin, Moscow and Beijing, will gather on Friday, the guests to the ceremony. The Celebration for the opening of the BND begins Central locker, a wood wind quintet of the music corps of the Bundeswehr sounds the anthem of the capital of "That's the Berlin air". But then the Chancellor comes. After a few minutes, it is clear that not only the times, in Berlin and in the USA are different. Angela Merkel makes it clear that politically, the clocks tick differently. Currently especially on the subject of Syria.

the situation in The war-torn country "can fill us all with concern," says the Chancellor. Of Trumps optimistic forecast, the terror militia IS as good as defeated, keeps Merkel is obviously nothing. "The so-called Islamic state could be forced back into the area, fortunately", Merkel lifts a little the voice. "This does not mean, however, that the IS would already be gone. Rather, it is moved to asymmetric warfare. And, of course, remains a threat.“

Syria is the spheres to the game ball in a proxy war for influence in a strategically important Region, says Merkel. "Peace in Syria, we are, unfortunately, almost eight years after the outbreak of the conflict, far away." And she adds that Germany will "continue to work tirelessly to contribute to a political solution for Syria".

The Chancellor is not granted Trump a lesson in political analysis, even if they mentioned him by name. But the main part of your speech sounds, as you would want to say, "Dear Mister President, of Syria, you understand nothing".

Trump had claimed in December, the "Islamic state" is defeated, the 2000 U.S. soldiers in Syria would be deducted. The Nato partners were utterly dismayed - and not only them. U.S. Secretary of defense James Mattis, announced his resignation. However, Trump remained Trump. First he weakened his forecast to the IS a little, and said, in December, the terrorist militia had been defeated "largely". But on Wednesday, the President announced that the IS will be defeated next week to 100 percent. What Merkel thinks about it, announced just two days later.

you are Probably playing in the speech to Trump, Fake News alerts. In the direction of Russia, China and Iran, your alarm is likely to go before the "cyber threat". Many countries were "actively involved in hybrid warfare," says Merkel. She speaks of a war that will be held around the world over the net.

Video 08.02.2019, 15:58 Uhr01:10 Min.Merkel inaugurates new BND Headquarters in Berlin

The Chancellor holds a decidedly political speech, even more than expected at the opening of the Headquarters of the intelligence service. "How is Germany to the seemingly endless crises?", ask Merkel and called her Credo: Germany had to rely on the "multilateral cooperation", not a Problem, let alone bilaterally solve. Also this is probably a jab at Trump. Its From-man-to-man tactics, when North Korean dictator Kim Jong-Un has little effect.

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New BND Headquarters in Berlin, the farewell to the floppy hat cliché?

Frank Jansen

The Federal intelligence service speech does not come in spite of the transatlantic embassies in Merkel's too short. In the face of crises, the Chancellor is "even more convinced that Germany needs a strong and powerful intelligence service is more urgent than ever". The opening of the new Headquarters was "a milestone". And before the ceremony, Merkel spoke specifically to the employees of the BND. After the end of the massive procession are now in the new Headquarters 3200 message nThe artist.