Obama’s Message: Praise and Price

U.S. President Barack Obama heaped great praises on Merkel. What a contrast to Merkel’s image in Germany! How close are they really? Observers will never agree on that.

It is harder to endure praise than criticism. Everyone likes to be praised; but niceness is not without consequences. Whoever praises wants to cause something. And whoever takes the praise is expected to take action.

Barack Obama praised Angel Merkel in an interview with Der Tagesspiegel: Germany is a leading global power. It is the heart of Europe and the key to everything the U.S. wants to reach worldwide.

Some of us want so say: We don’t want to be that important.

He has praised Angela Merkel “as a good friend and one of my closest global partners.” He calls regularly. He consults with her on every important question on the international agenda. He admires her path in life; she embodies the promise of freedom and is an inspiration for people all around the world. What a contrast to the image of Merkel in Germany. That’s why a lot of people understand that this is simple flattery and a cunning strategy to reach some concessions

But what if the Germans listen open-minded and unbiased to what the most powerful man on earth has to say about their chancellor? Obama did not exaggerate. Germany is the most powerful country in Europe and the fourth-largest economic power on earth. Merkel has worldwide interests and worldwide influence. The president says: Do not hide behind your history. Please act in a way that is appropriate to what you are. Those who live in foreign countries or travel a lot know: The expectations are high in Asia, the Middle East and Africa. The world today is not afraid of a Germany that shows how good it is. The world is disappointed when Germany always keeps in the background.

Angela Merkel is the unchallenged Number One in Europe. But who else could be? Sarkozy doesn’t fit with his hyperactive, egocentric demeanor. Italy’s Berlusconi no one takes seriously anymore. The Briton David Cameron could have built up a good personal relationship with Obama on this latest visit, but the deep crisis in Great Britain forces him to concentrate on domestic policy. Now he has to backtrack even in an area where his country always had the best cooperation with the U.S.: joint military missions. The British are not a part of the eurozone; this also is in Merkel’s hands.

Germany could handle the effects of the financial crisis better than any other Western industrialized country, which strengthens Merkel. To be sure, she also reaps the fruits of the reforms of her predecessors. But in foreign countries, people do not look at her political affiliation or want to know how popular the Big Coalition is. A prophet has no honor in his own country. This is true for both president and chancellor. Both have better reputations among their most important partners than in their own country. Newsweek calls her “Wonder Woman.”

How close are they really? Observers will never agree on that. They do not hug. They do not call each other by their first name to suggest closeness. In public they say “President” and “Chancellor.” Some say this is evidence of an inner distance. Others say this is their rational and respectful style. That’s why they get along with each other so well. Obama says when she gives a promise, he can trust her. That’s the most precious capital that allies have. One might ask if he would say this about Putin or Sarkozy.

Of course Obama wants to get something for this praise, but nothing dishonorable: for Germany to take more responsibility in general, and especially in the Middle East and Libya. As a NATO member, Germany takes action indirectly. Like in 1989, it is about more freedom. Obama trusts Germany. This is no reason to fear.