Guido Westerwelle is a blank slate in Washington. The new foreign minister's demands that US nuclear weapons be removed from Germany may be popular at home. But Berlin's Western allies could be asking themselves if Westerwelle has any new ideas for dealing with today's problems. A foreign minister in Germany, particularly one who is a member of the Free Democrats (FDP), has to have his own foreign policy issue. Any issue. A topic that can somehow overshadow a chancellor who has become accustomed to the world's international conferences. An issue that can wipe the noble smile off the face of rising political star Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg's face and take current Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier by surprise. An issue that provokes collective nods of approval. A theme that doesn't cost a lot but that is sure to make the headlines.
A foreign minister in Germany, particularly one who is a member of the Free Democrats (FDP), has to have his own foreign policy issue. Any issue.
A topic that can somehow overshadow a chancellor who has become accustomed to the world's international conferences. An issue that can wipe the noble smile off the face of rising political star Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg's face and take current Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier by surprise. An issue that provokes collective nods of approval. A theme that doesn't cost a lot but that is sure to make the headlines.
