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The Washington Post

German Chancellor Angela Merkel was asked Sunday to reminisce about her fondest moments with US President Barack Obama during the seven years of his presidency.
Her short, remarkably unsentimental answer explains why she has become Obama’s closest overseas ally and the president’s political and ideological soul mate on critical issues such as Syria, terrorism and containing Russian aggression in Ukraine. More than most American presidents, Obama disdains what he regards as needy, showboating allies. Merkel is most definitely neither.
The chancellor grimaced at the question from the German reporter. “I am not in a position to take stock now,” she replied curtly. There was too much important work to do.
Obama, who is incapable of speaking in anything other than full - and frequently florid - paragraphs, smiled broadly and used the moment to pay Merkel a compliment.
“She has a really good sense of humour that she doesn’t show all the time at press conferences,” Obama said. “She’s a little more - she’s much more serious in front of all of you.”
An amused smile flashed across Merkel’s face, prompting a storm of clicking camera shutters from the photographers in the room.
Obama was officially in Germany for the Hanover Messe, a major trade and technology show here that is promoting American companies and products. After their news conference, he and Merkel presided over the fair’s opening ceremony, which included robots and music from the Broadway show Wicked. Later in the evening they dined with German and American CEOs.
The real reason Obama came to Germany was simpler and more straightforward: Merkel asked him.
These are tough times for Europe, which is struggling with terrorism, an anaemic economy and an unprecedented migrant crisis. They are also tough times for the longtime German chancellor, who is under unprecedented pressure, due in part to her strong advocacy for migrants pouring into Europe at levels not seen since World War II.
“Perhaps because she once lived behind a wall herself, Angela understands the aspirations of those who’ve been denied their freedom and who seek a better life,” Obama said of Merkel, who grew up in the communist east.
In an attempt to relieve some of the pressure, Merkel and Turkish leaders brokered a deal late last month that will send virtually all of the migrants who attempt to enter Europe via the Aegean Sea - including Syrians - back to Turkey. In exchange, Turkey gets US$6.6 billion and the promise of jump-started talks on its EU membership.
The two leaders also talked about their mutual support for a far-reaching trade deal between the United States and Europe - the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership - that has drawn fierce opposition from some Germans. The day before Obama arrived, thousands of people gathered in Hanover to protest the deal. Obama expressed hope that some of the resistance to the deal in the United States might start to ease “after the primary season is over.”
The reporters offered up more questions. Merkel pressed forward with her staccato answers.
She was asked about the prospect of working with a Republican presidential candidate - front-runner Donald Trump - who has called her welcoming refugee policies “insane”.
Merkel arched an eyebrow and cocked her head, a gesture far more revealing than her answer. Cameras clicked furiously. “First, I concentrate on the task ahead for 2016. I’m quite busy with that, thank you very much,” she replied.
As the news conference ended, Obama was asked whether he had any regrets that he could not continue in office like Merkel, who has served as chancellor since 2005 and does not face a term limit. Obama replied that a country as big and diverse as America needs “fresh legs,” but that he is glad Merkel is sticking around. “The world benefits from her steady presence, ” he said.
Picking up a thread from the Trump question, Obama closed with a forceful defence of Merkel’s wisdom and compassion, especially on the refugee issue.
“She is on the right side of history on this,” Obama said, his voice rising. “I am very proud of her for that, and I am proud of the German people for that.”
If Merkel was pleased, she didn’t show it. Instead, she flashed her poker face.


An international odd couple: how Obama and Merkel forged a special bond

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