Nevertheless, to talk to Russia - without illusions(!) - is necessary. Europe cannot ignore Russia, even if it condemns many of its actions. And the EU should be clear on any violation of international or humanitarian law. But the fact that the US - or sometimes EU countries - might also be violating international law is neither a justification for being soft on Russia nor is it an argument to refrain from better communication with Russia. Peace in and around Europe can only be promoted and established with Russia. It is time to recognize this fact.

The recent election in Israel gave an additional green light for the annexation of Palestinian land by Israel. US President Donald Trump has already given his full support for additional annexations with his “peace plan.” It is very strange that one country would give another country the “right” to violate international law. And it is even more strange that there was no serious outcry elsewhere in the world. Of course, neither Russia nor China has the moral right nor the interest in arguing withTrump’s policies. And Europe? Well, unfortunately there is no figure like Bruno Kreisky, Willy Brandt, or Olof Palme inside the European Union today who would fight for an oppressed and discriminated people.

“US strategy empowers the hardliners in Iran” was the title given to a comment in the Financial Times after the results of Iran’s recent parliamentary elections were announced. And indeed the conservative faction of the Iranian leadership could not have had better support than the US “strategy” toward Iran, which is in effect against the people of Iran.

The United States and the Taliban concluded recently an agreement to end the fighting and to start a peace process. If the Taliban will refrain from military attacks in the next days, an agreement would be signed between them and the US. But what kind of peace will be implemented? Who are the winners and who are the victims of such an agreement which would result in the Taliban’s participation in a government of reconciliation?

Africa is Europe’s most exciting, fascinating, dangerous, promising, and all-around challenging neighbor. Even fierce critics of colonialism might understand the interest of former colonialists in the “dark continent.” Instead of building connections on the basis of mutual interests and equality, colonial powers and their representatives enslaved many Africans and promoted their own narrow-minded economic, financial, and political interests. Direct colonialism is over, but many forms of neocolonialism prevail. And as with classical colonialism, local leaders today work in close cooperation with foreign powers to exploit their own people.