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First, U.S. attention and resources will now be focused on defending the American homeland. The traditional European security agenda may be overtaken by the need to focus on the defense of the United States and Americans. Issues such as Macedonia and engagement in the Balkans generally are now likely to fade on the U.S. screen. Even the next round of NATO enlargement, the centerpiece of the U.S. administration's European agenda, may find itself pushed aside on the American agenda.

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This may be the moment of truth. The United States needs allies more than ever before. The psychological effect of this week's attack is already clear, even if the full political consequences will only emerge in the months ahead. Americans will always remember where they were on Sept. 11, 2001. They will also remember who stood with them once the rhetoric had faded.

In the United States, this week's tragic events have served to bring Americans closer together. This unspeakable barbarism may have the same positive effect on U.S.-European relations.

One German commentator, echoing the words of John F. Kennedy, said earlier this week that it is time for Europeans to stand up and say "Ich bin ein New Yorker." Americans need to hear this. We also have great hope that words will be followed by deeds.

Ronald D. Asmus is a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations and was an official in the administration of former U.S. President Bill Clinton. Jeffrey Gedmin is a resident scholar at the American Enterprise Institute and executive director of the New Atlantic Initiative. Sep. 14

http://www.faz.com/IN/INtemplates/eFAZ/docmain.asp?rub=%7BB1311FCC-FBFB-11D2-B228-00105A9CAF88%7D&doc=%7B085C07A3-0F10-4C92-BF3C-824E64F40EAE%7D

I wonder if this reflects the official CFR agenda...

-- Anonymous, September 14, 2001