Europe, U.S. Diverging on Key Policy Approaches

PARIS -- The Sept. 11 attacks initially brought Europe and the United States closer together, with spontaneous outpourings of sympathy on the streets of Europe and pledges of solidarity from the corridors of power. But nearly six months on, the transatlantic allies are at odds over how to deal with key international issues highlighted by the attacks on New York and the Pentagon.
While Americans are still coming to grips with their newfound vulnerability, many Europeans -- long accustomed to terrorism at home -- believe it is time to move on. While the Bush administration has made the war on terrorism the central focus of its foreign policy, Europeans are pursuing a more broadly focused policy that looks at what they see as the root causes of terrorism, such as poverty, disease and environmental degradation.