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Repeating a metaphorical reference to the destruction of the Berlin Wall, Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama stressed the need for a global effort to deal with challenges like terrorism and global warming during his much-anticipated speech in Berlin. German media outlets estimated that approximately 100,000 people gathered at the city’s Victory Column to hear the Illinois senator call for more cooperation between the U.S. and Europe in the fight against global terrorism and climate change. “In this new world, such dangerous currents have swept along faster than our efforts to contain them,” Obama said. “That is why we cannot afford to be divided. No one nation, no matter how large or powerful, can defeat such challenges alone.” Obama beheld Berlin as a symbolic city, capable of great rebirth and prosperity after years of division, war and oppression, noting that “history reminds us that walls can be torn down.” “But the task is never easy,” Obama said. “True partnership and true progress requires constant work and sustained sacrifice. They require sharing the burdens of development and diplomacy; of progress and peace. They require allies who will listen to each other, learn from each other and, most of all, trust each other.” Obama also spoke of ending the war in Iraq, ridding the world of nuclear weapons and expanding NATO’s role in Afghanistan. “No one welcomes war,” he said. “I recognize the enormous difficulties in Afghanistan. But my country and yours have a stake in seeing that NATO’s first mission beyond Europe’s borders is a success.” The Democratic candidate met earlier in the day with German Chancellor Angela Merkel. |
