The Price of Misguided Prudence

Germany's decision not to support the Security Council resolution to protect civilians in Libya exposes the lack of a coherent policy and political courage, argues Thorsten Benner. Berlin now needs to have an overdue debate on what the responsibility to protect means for Germany and Europe.

Just four weeks ago, German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle was cheered by the crowds on Cairo's Tahrir Square for his support of the cause of freedom. An early champion of the Tunisian and Egyptian protest movements, Germany led Europe's increasingly unified response to the revolutions across the Arab world with France and Italy still reeling from their cozying up to Arab dictators until the very last minute.

What a difference a month (and a crucial vote in the Security Council) can make. Today, following Germany's decision not to support the UN Security Council resolution authorizing the use of force to protect civilians in Libya the picture looks very different. Europe is again divided on a key issue of war and peace. Berlin left what remains of common European foreign policy-making at the mercy of the maddening grand-standing of French President Sarkozy.

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