The Boston Globe: European leaders unable to provide new direction

The Boston GlobeEurope is suddenly leaderless, with almost its entire political class estranged from voters on crucial questions of economic unity. The ''European crisis," as some leading newspapers have dubbed it, happens to coincide with President Bush's dwindling popularity in the United States, though that may not be wholly a coincidence. Democrats see skepticism about international trade as a way to connect with Main Street economic frustrations. But critics say it is an unfortunate scapegoat, economically foolish, and indulgent of prejudices against other countries. Still, one thing seems clear, in the United States, Europe, and perhaps even beyond: The leaders who will emerge from the current void will either be those who can best explain the benefits of globalization or those who can most effectively argue against it.