THE BUSH VISION (excerpts)
Helle Bering, ”The Washington Times”, June 20, 2001

What President Bush accomplished during his visit to Europe last week could be a legacy of lasting value. At a time when trans-Atlantic relations seemed in danger of foundering, Mr. Bush did much to dispel concerns over American unilateralism and affirmed his commitment to keep the United States firmly engaged on the European continent. In doing so, Mr. Bush looked beyond the post-Cold War era to one still in the process of definition. The contours, though, are becoming clearer. (...) The vision articulated by Mr. Bush in Brussels and in Goteborg (a city which may have as many spellings as there are American newspapers) and which he committed himself to in Warsaw on Friday is of an inclusive Europe that could extend as far as Ukraine. "We will not trade away the fate of free European peoples," he said. "No more Munichs. No more Yaltas." Now, this is truly thinking ahead. The commitment to NATO enlargement that Mr. Bush made in Warsaw reinforces the welcome decision by the European Union to conclude negotiations with new members from the former East bloc by the end of next year. From the perspective of the applicant nations, who seek to join both NATO and the European Union, this means military and economic security and stability. From the perspective of the United States, it provides a group of allies whose affinity with American values and interests is rock solid. Feeling jaded about American ideals and values? Take a trip to any country formerly trapped in a communist nightmare behind the Iron Curtain, and you will get an unforgettable reminder. In some quarters of Western Europe though by no means all memories of World War II and the Marshall Plan have faded. In Central and Eastern Europe, memories of U.S. support in the fight against communism are fresh and inspire tremendous trust and gratitude. (...)    u