Two European nations emerged with credit from the Iraq disaster: France and Germany. Both had the courage to withstand the Bush administration and oppose the U.S.-led invasion.

In this quote, Martin Jacques reflects on the political actions taken by France and Germany in the context of the Iraq war. He points out that these two European nations emerged with credit for their decision to resist the U.S.-led invasion and challenge the authority of the Bush administration. The quote highlights the courage these countries demonstrated by standing firm in the face of immense international pressure, particularly from the U.S.

Jacques emphasizes the moral and political weight of the stance taken by France and Germany, suggesting that their opposition to the invasion was not just about political differences but also about a deeper principled stand against the war. By not aligning with the U.S., these nations took a significant risk, given the global support for the war and the pressure to conform. The use of the word courage here underscores the bravery it took for these countries to resist the dominant power of the time.

The origin of the quote lies in the broader context of the Iraq war in the early 2000s, where the U.S. led a coalition of forces to invade Iraq, claiming that the country possessed weapons of mass destruction. Many countries, however, questioned the legitimacy of the invasion, and France and Germany became vocal opponents, aligning with other countries in urging a peaceful resolution. Jacques’s quote underscores how these nations were seen as moral leaders in this regard, as they took a stand that contrasted with the global consensus led by the U.S.

Ultimately, Jacques’s words recognize the political integrity and independence of France and Germany during a tumultuous period in global politics. Their refusal to support the invasion was a defining moment that not only influenced their relationship with the U.S. but also shaped their roles on the world stage, earning them respect for their principled opposition.