This was supposed to be the beginning of a new era in German-US relations. Condi and Angela Merkel were supposed to show that with Gerhard Schroeder gone Germany was willing to work constructively with the Bush administration. Even the illegal rendition of the German citizen - Khaled Masri - could not interfere with the photo-op: Merkel - speaking in English - said that Secretary Rice admitted that US had "made a mistake". But Condi's eyes betrayed her anger as Merkel made this remark. Later, on the plane to Romania, Condi's team
made the following comment to the press: "We are not quite sure what was in her head." The US did not make a mistake in the abduction and rendition of Masri; Condi simply informed Merkel that he had been detained and released.
The German press is understandably furious with Secretary Rice and the United States. The opposition parties have called for hearings in German government complicity in the renditions. Hold on to your seats, the firestorm of anger in Germany is just beginning.