Prime minister Angela Merkel, Germany’s Iron Lady, is leading efforts to stand up against Russia’s incursion against the Ukraine. But she is doing so against the tide of public opinion in her country. Many Germans are sympathetic to Russia out of resentment for America’s eavesdropping on them in the NSA surveillance program!
From Anthony Faiola, Despite reluctance at home, Merkel shifts toward tougher stance on Russia – The Washington Post:
In recent weeks, she has appeared to stiffen her resolve to back a strong response, despite the risk of repercussions at home. Russian natural gas lights German furnaces, while a steady stream of German-made cars and heavy equipment flows east, prompting calls for caution from domestic industry. Yet even more vexing for a leader known to pay close attention to opinion polls, she is facing a German public that appears dead set against tougher steps.