The Europeans have recently changed their tune on sanctions against Iraq. Dropping the canard that millions of Iraqis have died from sanctions, the European foreign ministers now claim that such pressure, administered with resolve and a united, international front, is an effective alternative to armed conflict.
Alas, the EU itself seems to be of two minds on the matter. The European Parliament recently invoked “smart sanctions” against Zimbabwe because of numerous, well-documented human rights abuses. That included travel sanctions to the EU, which meant that Zimbabwe would be unable to attend a meeting of the Southern African Development Community in Copenhagen.
In the face of criticism over this by some African nations, the EU foreign ministers have instead rescheduled the meeting to take place in Mozambique, just so Zimbabwe can attend.
Yeah, that’s making a stand all right.
Of course, the story also notes that the travel sanctions haven’t done all that much to keep Zimbabwean officials from visiting EU states anyway.
Aren’t these the folks who have been claiming the moral high ground and the effectiveness of international cooperation?
(via Instapundit)
Euroweenie. The word fits better and better every year.