Governments which consider themselves kindred spirits with the world's oldest democracy find themselves at odds with their ally on a range of issues, including global warming, missile defense and North Korea. Proud nations with long histories fear their influence with the world' s remaining superpower is waning under a new president with little first-hand experience in Europe.
China needs cutting down to size.
Undersecretary of State Marc Grossman and deputy National Security Adviser Stephen Hadley met with NATO envoys Tuesday. They were to fly to London later in the day for meetings with British officials. The team will also visit France, the Netherlands, Denmark, Germany, Italy and Poland. However, many Europeans believe the mission is designed to sell a policy rather than forge one in consultations with allies. Many European officials speak highly of Bush's foreign policy team, especially Secretary of State Colin Powell and National Security Adviser Condoleeza Rice.