A fight over circumcision is giving Europe a taste of the new US diplomacy
A Fight Over Circumcision Is Giving Europe a Taste of the New US Diplomacy
For US diplomats, postings in Europe often offer a mix of comfort and stability. The residences are spacious, and the atmosphere is generally calm—especially west of Kyiv. Daniel Fried, a former US ambassador to Poland, noted that “you’re in friendly territory” when stationed there. Disputes, he explained, are typically resolved discreetly. However, recent public confrontations involving three US ambassadors and their European hosts have shifted this dynamic, showcasing a more assertive style of diplomacy reminiscent of the Trump era.
Belgium’s Circumcision Controversy
The latest clash erupted in Belgium, where Bill White, the US ambassador, took issue with the country’s handling of a Jewish ritual circumcision case. In Antwerp, three mohels—ritual circumcisers—faced judicial scrutiny after procedures were performed without medical supervision. White criticized Belgium’s approach, accusing it of antisemitism and demanding intervention from Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke.
“TO BELGIUM, SPECIFICALLY YOU MUST DROP THE RIDICULOUS AND ANTI SEMITIC ‘PROSECUTION’ NOW OF THE 3 JEWISH RELIGIOUS FIGURES (MOHELS) IN ANTWERP! THEY ARE DOING WHAT THEY HAVE BEEN TRAINED TO DO FOR THOUSANDS OF YEARS,” White wrote.
White further labeled Vandenbroucke “very rude,” alleging the minister had refused to engage in a handshake or photo session. He also invoked Belgium’s history, suggesting the country had benefited from American support in its past struggles for independence.
Poland’s Diplomatic Tensions
Meanwhile, in Poland, the US ambassador to Warsaw, Tom Rose, recently severed ties with Włodzimierz Czarzasty, the speaker of the lower house of parliament. The decision followed Czarzasty’s public criticism of former President Donald Trump, who had long sought the Nobel Peace Prize. Rose condemned the speaker’s “outrageous and unprovoked insults,” claiming they had damaged US-Polish relations.
“We will not permit anyone to harm US-Polish relations, nor disrespect (Trump),” Rose stated.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who leads a center-left coalition in the Sejm, responded by asserting that allies should “respect, not lecture, each other.” Rose defended his stance, vowing to “always defend my President without hesitation, exception or apology.”
A New Era of US Diplomacy
Daniel Fried, who served as ambassador to Poland from 1997 to 2000, observed that these incidents reflect a departure from traditional diplomatic practices. He explained that a diplomat’s role is to “advance the president’s agenda,” not always to shield the leader from criticism. “You figure out how to work within the politics of the country you’re in,” Fried said, emphasizing the need to balance advocacy with adaptability.
“You will seldom win a public fight on somebody else’s ground. … If you go down the road of fighting on somebody else’s turf, you’ll lose,” Fried warned.
The current tensions echo earlier disputes, such as the accusation of antisemitism by Charles Kushner, the US ambassador to France, against President Emmanuel Macron. In a letter to the Wall Street Journal, Kushner alleged Macron had failed to address rising antisemitism. Macron responded by calling the letter a “mistake” and an “unacceptable statement” for a diplomat.
The Trump administration’s approach to diplomacy, characterized by direct confrontation and public criticism, appears to be shaping how the US engages with European allies. Whether seen as firm leadership or provocative behavior, the strategy is now a visible part of international relations in the region.
