Belgium has long enjoyed a reputation as Europe's favourite place for a battle having hosted wars between Spain and Holland, Britain and France, and Britain and Germany (twice). None of them wanted Belgium, especially, but they all agreed that it would be better to wreck Belgium rather than their own countries.
Belgium's only historical achievement of note was in the Congo where it gained the distinction of being the worst colonial government in 19th century Africa, beating off tough competition from the Germans.
There are no famous Belgians
Belgium's status has now been upgraded thanks to the election of Herman van Rompuy (a Belgian) as President of Europe. Belgium has now been designated as the President's private summer retreat - Europe's Camp David, if you will.
ReplyDelete