ary fight against terrorism. In the eyes of German public opinion, it also helps that the mission in Afghanistan is backed by a U.N. mandate and therefore seen as justified. After incriminating reports of the Stasi Archives were leaked to WikiLeaks, Gauck strongly criticized that organization, calling it a clear violator of the law and a threat to society.
Germany’s new president is a man whose formative experience was the fight against communism. He has both a moral compass and a spine. He does not fear to address difficult issues, knowing where he stands and acting accordingly.
After the loss of Vaclav Havel, Europe might have found a successor and a reliable ally to perpetuate the freedom agenda and cooperation on both sides of the Atlantic.
Nathalie Vogel is a German analyst currently living in Washington, D.C.
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