Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel chats with France's President Francois Hollande (R) at the European Union leaders summit in Brussels (REUTERS/Laurent Dubrule).
Opinion
Germany v. France: Berlin Flexes Diplomatic Muscles on Syria
August 23, 2013, Jonathan Laurence
Germany has urged caution in response to French calls for the use of force in Syria. However, writes Jonathan Laurence, its stance is more than a mere aversion to military intervention. The country is quietly asserting itself and fleshing out its foreign policy.