Readers weigh in on German foreign policy

The following comments reflect the views of DW-WORLD.DE readers. Not all reader comments have been published. DW-WORLD.DE reserves the right to edit for length and appropriateness of content.

Westerwelle in Poland

I think that Chancellor Merkel and her vice chancellor did the right thing by sending the vice chancellor and foreign minister to Poland. They sent a strong message to Eastern Europe that Germany is very serious about good relations in Eastern Europe. -- Stuart John Pearson, Australia

I strongly support Westerwelle's initiatives and believe that Germany should strengthen its relationships with its eastern neighbors, including Russia, which can only serve to strengthen its position in the world as well as its trade with emerging countries. Ultimately, this should serve to strengthen all of the European Union by strengthening their economies and improving the quality of life. Germany should utilize a diversified strategy by strengthening and expanding its relations. It has successfully strengthened its relationships with other nations including the USA, China, Japan, South Korea and India and should continue on its course. -- Rolf Boll, US

By visiting Poland first, Westerwelle broke with tradition as foreign minister

Setting aside what effect the foreign minister's visit to Warsaw will have on German-French relations, the visit to Poland was clearly a studied move, which shows the development of a kind of inner Ostpolitik. It is a recognition that the Federal Republic's security is, to an extent, dependent on the stability of, and co-operation with, its eastern neighbours in the EU. This appeared to be a "broad spectrum" move, aimed as much at Russia as at Warsaw. The growth of bilateral ties with Germany, and multilateral relationships with the wider EU is to be welcomed, and the symbolism of Herr Westerwelle's visit was not lost on Polish public opinion. -- Arthur Zielinski, Poland

Merkel's visit to Washington

Let's hope that there will never be another war in Europe. Obama will let you down, guaranteed, with his lack of support. Obama is a small time player with no real understanding of the world and the dangers facing the US and Europe. With him in the White House you will never have the same support Germany had 50 years ago. -- Hans Pfadt, US

Mrs. Merkel is inspirational and gives me confidence that the problems of the civilized world can be overcome. Political leaders must concede that charisma is critical and she has it, which in turn makes those who are governed feel well led and confident. Through this we can sleep better at night. Can we outsource our political leadership; fire the inexperienced junior communist Obama and then hire her to be our president here in the USA? Arnold Schwarzenegger would make a great running mate! -- Vincent, US

I have been impressed and moved by Mrs. Merkel's inauguration announcement, especially when she concluded: "God, please help me." May God bless your chancellor with holy wisdom so that she can think out right policies in education and justice. -- Thuy Huynh, Vietnam

It is of utmost interest that Congress is told to be extremely careful in relation to Russia. The old Stalinist ways are returning to public life in Russia and diplomatic envoys must be warned not to trust Russian politics. Mrs. Merkel is an expert on Russia from her days in East Germany. -- Lorenz Michael Hesse, South Africa

"Tear down today's walls"

Angela Merkel is a great credit to Germany and brings strong values to one of our greatest allies. It was an honor to have her speak before our US Congress. May Germany continue to reap the rewards of her great intellect. -- Mark Lockwood, US

I think it is significant that Ms. Merkel was asked to speak to the US Congress. I think that most Americans have a positive opinion of Germany and Germans as a whole. Her speech before the Congress will not have much effect - good or bad - on how Americans feel. Unfortunately, most Americans are fed up with anything and everything that comes from Washington DC and this Congress. -- A. Barnes, US

I think that Dr. Merkel will bring both the US and Germany closer together. I was watching the live broadcast and I was captivated by her speech. Her speech on climate change especially captivated me, and I do believe will encourage the US to adopt a climate agreement. This will in turn bring both countries closer together. Dr. Merkel's ending was also very encouraging and I especially liked the analogy she used between the Freedom Bell in Berlin and the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia. -- Ayron Elijah Sim, Singapore

Europe is already very friendly toward US global policy and any more would not seem to be proper for an institution which hopefully formulates its own independant global policies, aside from the US policy of global dominance. -- G. Gosau, Canada

Compiled by Stuart Tiffen
Editor: Deanne Corbett