Estado Sentido

(imagem picada daqui)

Primeiro foram as cartas iguais endereçadas a chefes de estado, de governo e presidentes dos parlamentos nacionais. Agora Obama e a sua equipa demonstram uma total falta de cordialidade, para não dizer mesmo de cortesia diplomática básica, ao tratarem os seus clássicos aliados britânicos de forma deselegante. É óbvio para toda a gente que se preocupa com estas matérias que o eixo principal da política externa norte-americana estará a deslocar-se cada vez mais para o Pacífico. Mas a Europa, a Velha Europa, ainda continua a ser a base de apoio mais forte que os Estados Unidos podem ter, nem que seja pela partilha de culturas e valores comuns que facilitam o entendimento entre as diversas nações e a sua concertação em diversas instituições multilaterais.

Pelo André Azevedo Alves fui dar com um blog do Daily Telegraph da autoria de Iain Martin, que há dois dias escrevia:

But on this side of the Atlantic the whole business looked pretty demeaning. The morning papers and TV last night featured plenty of comment focused on the White House's very odd and, frankly, exceptionally rude treatment of a British PM. Squeezing in a meeting, denying him a full press conference with flags etc. The British press corps, left outside for an hour in the cold, can take it and their privations are of limited concern to the public.

But Obama's merely warmish words (one of our closest allies, said with little sincerity or passion) left a bitter taste with this Atlanticist. Especially after his team had made Number 10 beg for a mini press conference and then not even offered the PM lunch.

We get the point, sunshine: we're just one of many allies and you want fancy new friends. Well, the next time you need something doing, something which impinges on your national security, then try calling the French, or the Japanese, or best of all the Germans. The French will be able to offer you first rate support from their catering corps but beyond that you'll be on your own.

When it comes to men, munitions and commitment you'll soon find out why it pays to at least treat the Brits with some manners.

E já hoje, o mesmo Iain Martin dá conta de como a atitude de Obama se alterou ao ser convidado para se encontrar com a Rainha de Inglaterra:

But what's this? Something, suddenly, seems to have made the Obama White House perk up and start to take an interest in the Brits. The Queen has invited the President to tea when he's here for the G20 in April. And he's in through the front door of Buckingham Palace faster than a Harley Davidson roaring along Route 66.

Note how the coolness of Team Obama disappears when a bit of regal glamour is introduced into the equation. He might not like the Brits, but he can recognise a global superstar when he encounters one. He wants to be associated with her. He's shameless.