Use of Force

The Iraq war will haunt not only U.S. policy-makers but also their European counterparts for years. The dividing lines over Libya differed from those over Iraq, yet it was clear that there was still no EU consensus on the criteria for the use of force.

The strategic importance of the Old World is declining. That does not mean that the emotional bonds of the transatlantic relationship must fray. But Europe is dropping down on the list of priorities.

The U.S. government is well advised to proceed very cautiously in its consideration of military options in the Middle East. The unlawful use of force is no way to encourage the emergence of democracies founded upon respect for the rule of law.