EU's Solana Criticizes U.S. Unilateralism
Solana's remarks reveal EU's concern about the unilateral policies of Washington. In other words, the union is trying to convince the United States that it can only play the role of a partner and ally, not a subordinate, in international developments.
After the September 11 attacks on U.S. cities, Washington declared that it had the right to take action against any country at will, but the European Union made it clear that it could not always trust U.S. policies on the international arena.
However, the attitude of the EU and some other countries encouraged Washington to ignore the United Nations. In fact, Western countries did not show any independent determination and became tools in the service of U.S. diplomacy.
But the aggressive U.S. policies and its noncompliance with the international law have now intensified the EU concern. Hence, the European countries are hoping that by strengthening their foreign policy, they will be able to play an effective role on the international arena.
The U.S. government is trying to give priority to its nationals over citizens of other countries, to such an extent that it has separated the U.S. prisoners who were members of the Al-Qaeda network from the other Al-Qaeda prisoners of war, claiming that they were deceived. Even the European prisoners from the Afghan war have not been allowed to enjoy this right.
This has provoked the criticism of European leaders. For example, German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder has criticized Washington for not observing the international law in treating the prisoners of war in Afghanistan.
If the U.S. continues such policies, its allies are bound to stand up to its hegemonic attitude. Nevertheless, Washington is trying to preserve its current domineering position through different ploys, and the lack of political determination in regional and international organizations has also encouraged Washington to continue with its policies.