Senator McCain Finds Merkel's Ukrainian Policies 'Embarrassing'
John McCain is the Republican’s most respected politician on the topic of foreign affairs — at least he was for a long time. The senator from Arizona speaks out about the world’s biggest crises: the Arab Spring, Syria and the Middle East. McCain, who lost the 2008 presidential election against Barack Obama, became a Republican spokesperson, declaring that the United States has lost massive respect under Obama’s administration. The falcon McCain represents the attitude of conservative America with verve and charisma. Lately, his reputation has suffered. He is considered a “grumpy old man” who all too often lacks the right measures and diplomatic tactfulness.
Prior to Chancellor Angela Merkel’s visit to Washington, McCain provided further evidence of this. McCain has been sharply critical of the German government’s Ukraine policies. While before journalists in Congress, McCain said that he was “embarrassed” by the failure of strong leadership in Berlin. He will meet Merkel during her visit to Washington and tell her the same thing.
In view of the close economic relations between Germany and Russia, the senator and former Republican presidential candidate laments the influence of the “industrial complex” on the federal government’s policies. “They might as well have them [the industrial complexes] in the government. It's shameful.”
It is not clear in what context McCain should come together with the chancellor. Republicans senators obviously aren’t being invited to dinner with Merkel. On the German side, there is no initial confirmation of a meeting. On Friday morning, even though Merkel spoke with economic and policy veterans before driving to the White House, she stayed on schedule to see President Barack Obama.
“Decisive Moment”
Considering Russia’s advance in Ukraine, Republican Senator Jeff Sessions, who was on the guest list to have dinner with Merkel, demanded a trans-Atlantic collaboration. "We must have a clearer, more focused, more unified position,” he said. Germany plays a “key role” in tightening sanctions against Russia. Likewise, Sessions asked the Germans to overcome their frustration regarding the NSA affair. “We need to get over it,”* he said.
Democratic Senator Chris Murphy said that the trans-Atlantic alliance is undergoing a “decisive moment.” He is eager to hear the chancellor’s views on the penalties against Russia. "I think the time is now to rapidly ratchet up our sanctions,” said Murphy.
*Editor’s note: Quotation, accurately translated, could not be sourced.
Prior to Chancellor Angela Merkel’s visit to Washington, McCain provided further evidence of this. McCain has been sharply critical of the German government’s Ukraine policies. While before journalists in Congress, McCain said that he was “embarrassed” by the failure of strong leadership in Berlin. He will meet Merkel during her visit to Washington and tell her the same thing.
In view of the close economic relations between Germany and Russia, the senator and former Republican presidential candidate laments the influence of the “industrial complex” on the federal government’s policies. “They might as well have them [the industrial complexes] in the government. It's shameful.”
It is not clear in what context McCain should come together with the chancellor. Republicans senators obviously aren’t being invited to dinner with Merkel. On the German side, there is no initial confirmation of a meeting. On Friday morning, even though Merkel spoke with economic and policy veterans before driving to the White House, she stayed on schedule to see President Barack Obama.
“Decisive Moment”
Considering Russia’s advance in Ukraine, Republican Senator Jeff Sessions, who was on the guest list to have dinner with Merkel, demanded a trans-Atlantic collaboration. "We must have a clearer, more focused, more unified position,” he said. Germany plays a “key role” in tightening sanctions against Russia. Likewise, Sessions asked the Germans to overcome their frustration regarding the NSA affair. “We need to get over it,”* he said.
Democratic Senator Chris Murphy said that the trans-Atlantic alliance is undergoing a “decisive moment.” He is eager to hear the chancellor’s views on the penalties against Russia. "I think the time is now to rapidly ratchet up our sanctions,” said Murphy.
*Editor’s note: Quotation, accurately translated, could not be sourced.
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