Today President and Mrs. Obama welcomed German Chancellor Angela Merkel to the United States on the south lawn of the White House. After a great deal of pomp and circumstance, the two leaders spoke of the great importance of the German-American relationship, and shared hopeful messages about the future of the two economic giants.
President Obama underlined the strategic nature of diplomatic ties with Germany as the country at the geographic and economic heart of Europe. He also spoke of the dynamism of the two countries' economies, and of the importance of investing first and foremost in human capital.
Sadly, Chancellor Merkel's remarks were largely muffled over the PA system, as was the English translation. That said, it was clear that Dr. Merkel aimed to reinforce her country's alliance with the United States, which she announced was as strong today as it was when the Berlin Wall came down in 1989.
It is likely that the recent uprisings in North Africa will dominate discussions between the two leaders. Merkel did make it a point in her opening remarks that Germany stood by peoples struggling for democracy in North Africa, though her country has been noticeably absent from NATO involvement in the Libyan conflict. At this time France, the UK, and the US have been leading airborne and naval bombardments against Gaddafi's forces.
The need for a new head of the IMF to replace Dominique Strauss-Kahn will likely be at the top of the agenda as well. Traditionally reserved for a European, the IMF chairmanship is now up for grabs as many argue that it is time the organization be led by some one from outside the Continent. At the same time, President Sarkozy's Minister of Finance Christine Lagarde has also become a contender for the position. Though European herself, Lagarde is viewed by many to be the perfect public relations cure for the IMF: a competent, experienced woman who can change the image of an organization now marred by a sexual assault scandal.
Though it is yet unclear which issues the two leaders can resolve together, it is evident that the discussions will circle around two abundantly important matters: economic policy and military involvement.
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