The article reflects on the immediate European reaction to the September 11 attacks, noting that the urge to blame America and deter its military response began right away. It critiques this stance, arguing that such criticism undermined solidarity and hindered effective counterterrorism efforts. The piece highlights how European leaders, while offering condolences, quickly shifted to cautionary advice, urging restraint and questioning U.S. foreign policy.

This early friction set a tone for transatlantic tensions that persisted in the following years. The author contends that this blame-shifting was misguided, as it ignored the nature of the threat and the necessity of a robust response. Ultimately, the article serves as a retrospective critique of European attitudes, suggesting that their post-9/11 counsel was more about distancing themselves than offering constructive partnership.