Bush Telling the EU who can join the party

[Vic_Ferrari]

*Originally posted by sailor *
**Not to highjack this thread but it would be interesting to discuss the effects if the Mexican states were to join the USA. I believe Mexico has 32 states and a population of a bit over 100 million. I do not think there’s any way the US would admit all those states and people into the Union because most would feel threatened. Sort of like Europe with Turkey, if you get my drift. **

Yeah, I don’t think it would happen either, but I wouldn’t be offended if European leaders suggested it.

[everton]

On a slightly more serious note, the Turks themselves aren’t happy, but I suppose that was a given.

[Vic_Ferrari]

From Slate:

Meanwhile, it appears that the United States’ support for Turkey has backfired. Reuters describes how President Bush lobbied for early negotiations, attempting to shore up support for Turkey. But as this analysis from the BBC indicates, “For the United States, the issue is essentially strategic. As it prepares for a possible war against Iraq, it sees Turkey as an invaluable ally. The Europeans see that as only one issue among many—and resent the heavy pressure President Bush has brought to bear on them.”

Wow, maybe Bush should start suggesting that Europe immediately double their farm subsidies.

[Vic_Ferrari]

Whoops, everton beat me to it.

[everton]

I reckon “backfired” is putting it too strongly, though - I don’t think any country that failed to support Turkey’s bid had their opinion influenced one way or the other by the USA’s lobbying in favour of it. I suspect “resent” might be putting it too strongly as well; the only negative comment I’ve read so far was that one from Chris Patten and he was pretty tongue-in-cheek about it.

[Vic_Ferrari]

*Originally posted by everton *
**I reckon “backfired” is putting it too strongly, though - I don’t think any country that failed to support Turkey’s bid had their opinion influenced one way or the other by the USA’s lobbying in favour of it. **

I thought the same thing, it’s not like the EU was going to give Turkey the early discussion date until Bush weighed in. And I seriously doubt that European leaders would change their opinion on Turkey just to spite Bush. Bush took a shot in the dark, it failed to move Europe, but maybe earned some goodwill from Turkey. Diplomacy grinds on.

[jjimm]

I suppose I am a little disturbed: the stated reason for non-inclusion of Turkey is human rights-based. GWB seems to have ignored this little problem with his lobbying.