Gerry’s International Relations

Perhaps the EU is not as united as we think

According to the blog the Monarchist, there is disagreement in Europe about whether denizens of the United Kingdom are British subjects or citizens of Europe.   This debate came to the forefront recently when 15 British sailors were taken hostage by Iranian Revolutionary Guards.  Since 40% of Iran’s exports come from the European Union, many feel that Europe could just place sanctions on Iran in order to solve the situation. Europe wields more power over Iran than the United States does, and if the EU wanted to they could quickly get the release of the hostages.  The problem is, according to this blogger, the rest of the European Union does not consider Britain to be a member of the EU.  They do not see 15 Europeans being held hostage, they see 15 Brits and they see no reason to help Brits.  Great Britain is one of the most powerful members of the EU, and if they are as isolated as this author claims it could mean bad news for the hostages.

So if the EU won’t help the British, what is the next step?  As the author points out, the United States is already spread thinly between Iraq and Afghanistan.  And although I assume we would be more than willing to help, considering they are one of are biggest allies, we do not have much influence over Iran.  That leaves the United Nations, but the Russians will not allow the Security Council to make any sanctions because they want to maintain good relations with Iran.  That leaves Britain isolated in a very dangerous situation.