Solana’s Retirement Announcement — What Holly Thinks

Photo credit: Council of the EU

Some FP readers have e-mailed me asking what I think about Javier Solana’s announcement that he will retire in October. My answer: I’ll believe it when I see it.

From the former head of NATO to the foreign policy chief of the EU, Solana’s career path has been fascinating. No individual has worked more passionately and effectively to build up the European Union – and a new world order — than this man. He’s widely regarded as one of the most masterful politicians of our time. If he indeed retires in October, a huge void will be left.

In light of this, it’s hard for me to imagine him just fading away from the world scene come October. At 67, he won’t be too old to continue to make geopolitical waves. Ronald Reagan was 78 when he brought down the Berlin Wall.

So I wonder if perhaps Solana might be talked into sticking around a little longer in his current capacity or even in an enlarged capacity — as the High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy — if the Lisbon Treaty is approved.

Yet, if Solana does fade away, then that means we’ll just have to keep watching for the Bible prophecies to unfold, as Jesus commanded us.

Until October rolls around, we can only wait and see what happens. Until then, you can be sure I’ll be on the edge of my seat!

— Holly Pivec
7/9/09