The German chancellor has two advantages that should give most leading politicians pause for thought. Angela Merkel is patient -- she knows how to wait. And currently, she has time on her side. She has more of an opportunity to think about what lies ahead than they do.
Only a few other politicians have the same options -- and usually these are working at an international level. And that is why Merkel, who does not succumb to emotion easily, enjoys the rough and tumble of foreign affairs so much. At that level she is sparring with partners of similar power. Often it is the ones she does not like very much personally that provide a real measure of her skills. For example, she enjoys a demanding skirmish with the likes of the KGB-schooled Vladimir Putin the way that other people enjoy an aged whiskey or a challenging chess game.
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