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French and German Leaders React Angrily to Donald Rumsfeld's Remarks - 2003-01-24

Feb 11, 2026 February 11, 2026 1 min read 📰 VOA Persian
📋 Key Takeaway

French and German leaders expressed strong discontent over U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld's comments labeling them as 'the old Europe' and suggesting they are a 'problem' regarding the Iraq war. This incident highlights tensions between the U.S. and key European allies during a critical time leading up to the Iraq invasion.

🔍 Quick Context Guide
💡 Bottom Line: Rumsfeld's comments exacerbated transatlantic tensions at a critical juncture leading up to the Iraq war.

👥 Key Players

Donald Rumsfeld MENTIONED
U.S. Secretary of Defense
"As a key figure in U.S. foreign policy, his remarks reflect the U.S. stance on international relations, particularly with Europe."
Francis Mer MENTIONED
French Finance Minister
"His response represents the French government's position and concerns regarding U.S. diplomacy and military actions."
Joschka Fischer MENTIONED
German Foreign Minister
"He embodies Germany's diplomatic approach and the importance of transatlantic relations."

📰 What Happened

U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld made derogatory remarks about France and Germany, labeling them as 'the old Europe' and suggesting they were a 'problem' regarding the Iraq war. This led to strong backlash from both French and German leaders.

  • Rumsfeld's comments were made in the context of the impending U.S.-led war in Iraq.
  • French and German leaders emphasized the need for rational behavior among allies.

💡 Why It Matters

🇮🇷 For Iran: Iran may view the discord between the U.S. and its European allies as an opportunity to strengthen its own position and influence in the region.
🌍 Regional: Increased tensions between the U.S. and Europe could impact their collective approach to Middle Eastern issues, including Iran.
🌐 International: The remarks highlight the growing divide between the U.S. and Europe, affecting NATO and international cooperation on security matters.

📚 Background

In the early 2000s, the U.S. was preparing for military action in Iraq, facing opposition from key European allies like France and Germany, which had different views on the war.

U.S.-Europe relations Iraq War
📡 Source: INTERNATIONAL
📊 Confidence: 70%
This article reflects a broader international perspective on U.S.-European relations during a pivotal moment in history.

French and German leaders, from all walks of life, have reacted angrily to remarks made by U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld. On Wednesday, Mr. Rumsfeld referred to France and Germany as 'the old Europe' and stated that a large number of European countries would support the U.S.-led war against Iraq. Additionally, Mr. Rumsfeld described French and German officials as a 'problem' in the context of a potential U.S. war with Iraq. French Finance Minister Francis Mer stated that he considers the U.S. Secretary of Defense's remarks to be very 'contemptuous.' German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer also said that American and European allies should behave rationally towards each other. Several conservative opposition politicians in Germany stated that dividing Europe into 'good' and 'not so good' countries is not the right approach.

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Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →

Translation confidence: 85%

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