Changing The World

When a politician sets out on their career, they often dream of becoming a national or even international figure of influence. In their wilder flights of fancy they often hope to change the course of history for their country or even, dare to hope that they can set the agenda for a continent. An example of this is the ephemeral vision of 'Middle East Peace', which occasionally grips US Presidents. Although it has to be said not by many other world leaders, who are often more pragmatically trying simply to stop Armageddon breaking out there.

Merkel Divides People ......

So most of the would be world changers fail to even make the top ranks at home, and settle for a mediocre career, warming a seat somewhere, and making up the numbers in the party machines votes. However there are some who rise to the very top, and Mrs Merkel has to be counted as one of those. She became the undisputed leader of Germany and the must turn to European leader for US Presidents and Russian leaders alike ..... but most of all she bestrides the European Union. Her opinions on all things Fiscal or Social, are those that hold sway. So on Greek debt its Germany's views that set the rules.

The Way The Winds Are Blowing

All bow to the Mighty Ottoman Sultan and Turkish President 'Recep Tayyip Erdogan the Magnificent' .... as apparently insulting him, is even a criminal offence in the New Germany of 'Mother Merkel'.

In a case that has echoes of the Charlie Hebdo incident in France, a German satirist, who may be tasteless, but is part of a vibrant satire industry in Germany, is to be considered for criminal charges. This after deliberately flouting a German law on free speech, section 103 of the criminal code, which bans insulting representatives or organs belonging to foreign states.

It Helps To Know Which Way The Wind Blows ...