Europe questions U.S. democracy

[bfez1]

March 19, 2003 / 11:38 AM ET

Antiwar Europeans are shocked by the ultimatum given to Iraq and see it as a breach of international democracy and law. MSNBC.com contributor in Germany Anna-Marita Leibbrand says, “Now everyone blames Bush for trying to rule the world. Over the last 50 years Germans have learned how to run a democratically oriented country due to the Americans, but now we feel that our teacher doesn’t care to use democratic agreements anymore.” Leibbrand adds, “The U.S. administration has to learn that Germany is a friend, but a friend with an opinion. People have worked very hard to foster this friendship and it should be strong enough to last, but we must explain our position and both sides must continue to work to build on the relationship.”