Bad timing

The media look critically at France’s former foreign minister, Michèle Alliot-Marie, as well as Germany’s former defence minister, Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg. The latest UN Human Rights Council report that praises Libya’s human-rights record also comes under fire.

Quit while you can

The lesson from the recent resignations of two European ministers is that once leaders lose trust, it’s best for them to exit quickly, writes The New York Times.

... France’s now departed foreign minister, Michèle Alliot-Marie, and Germany’s departed defense minister, Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg, both tried to tough it out, further damaging their governments and reputations. ... The departure of Mr. zu Guttenberg, 39, a rising political star, was the right thing to do but particularly unfortunate. As defense minister, he ended conscription and introduced reforms to streamline the German military and ready it for postcold-war requirements. ...

Oops!

... [According to the report:] "Several delegations also noted with appreciation the country’s commitment to upholding human rights on the ground.” ... The Council will meet next month to consider the [report], which is embarrassing enough given its timing and obsequious content. But the real embarrassment is that a human-rights body with members like Libya and Cuba is taken seriously.