Germany marks 30 years of Berlin Wall fall

Germany yesterday marks 30 years since the fall of the Berlin Wall that ushered in the end of communism and national reunification, as the Western alliance that helped secure those achievements is riddled with divisions.

Two days before the date that brought epochal change, France’s President Emmanuel Macron dropped a bombshell, declaring that transatlantic partnership NATO was suffering from “brain death” and that Europe itself was “on the brink”.

Chancellor Angela Merkel responded with uncharacteristic sharpness, saying Thursday “I don’t think that such sweeping judgements are necessary”, and the ensuing storm over NATO laid bare the growing differences among traditional allies.

The bad tempered prelude to the festivities stood in sharp contrast to celebrations five years ago, when former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev and ex-Polish president and freedom icon Lech Walesa were present.

This time, leaders of former Cold War powers will be absent, as Donald Trump’s America First policy, Britain’s Brexit struggles and Russia’s resurgence put a strain on ties.

 

Germany marks 30 years of Berlin Wall fall

Germany yesterday marks 30 years since the fall of the Berlin Wall that ushered in the end of communism and national reunification, as the Western alliance that helped secure those achievements is riddled with divisions. Two days before the date that brought epochal change, Frances President Emmanuel Macron dropped a bombshell, declaring that transatlantic partnership NATO was suffering from brain death and that Europe itself was on the brink. Chancellor Angela Merkel responded with uncharacteristic sharpness, saying Thursday I dont think that such sweeping judgements are necessary, and the ensuing storm over NATO laid bare the growing differences among traditional allies. The bad tempered prelude to the festivities stood in sharp contrast to celebrations five years ago, when former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev and ex-Polish president and freedom icon Lech Walesa were present. This time, leaders of former Cold War powers will be absent, as Donald Trumps America First policy, Britains Brexit struggles and Russias resurgence put a strain on ties.