While quite late, my first emotional reaction to this news was a gutteral “eff you.” But the truth is, the French voted in Sarkozy, a man who ran stating he was a fan of the U.S. and wanted closer ties. So, while this is late, support from a new friend should help. Time, however, will tell how serious they are aat helping to make difference.
France Offers U.S. Symbol With Iraq Trip
The French foreign minister paid an unannounced and highly symbolic visit to Baghdad on Sunday – a gesture to the American effort in Iraq after years of icy relations over the U.S.-led invasion. Bernard Kouchner said Paris wanted to “turn the page” and look to the future…”Now we are turning the page. There is a new perspective. We want to talk about the future. Democracy, integrity, sovereignty, reconciliation and stopping the killings. That’s my deep aim,” Kouchner said in English after meeting with Iraqi Foreign Minister Hosyhar Zebari.
Asked at a news conference if the France was now ready to help the Americans who are mired in Iraq, the top French diplomat demurred and said he was on a fact-finding mission. “We are ready to be useful, but the solution is in the Iraqis hands, not in the French hands,” he said, adding “I’m not frightened of the perspective of talking to the Americans.”
We should keep in mind that it was Chirac who was working the “oil For Food” scam. I would guess that Iraq has become the “strong horse” again. Much as it goes against the grain, we probably have more to gain by being gracious winners. (That doesn’t mean iraq and the U.S. shouldn’t take full advantage of the fact that Sarkozy arrives beret in hand and covered with rue.)
Still- I have to say it. NEENERNEENERNEENER!!
I just hope this is not symbolism over substance. I will give him the benefit of the doubt, for the moment. At least he went and at least he realizes the cause is just. Now, how he handles Iran..hmm. News tonight that Iran is shelling the Kurds in Iraq.
This from the Guardian:
“
Iraqi Kurdish officials expressed deepening concern yesterday at an upsurge in fierce clashes between Kurdish guerrillas and Iranian forces in the remote border area of north-east Iraq, where Tehran has recently deployed thousands of Revolutionary Guards.”
As the world turns continues and I feel quite deeply that sides most be taken once and for all..Whether Sarkozy is the beginning of this I do not know, but time is running out. I drank French wine this weekend and I truly did miss it..so he better be for real!
A diplomat without initiatives (that’s what the Yahoo! News article reports him saying) is to be trusted even less than a diplomat with initiatives.
Completely missing the point. It’s about the terrorists stupid! Iraq is the business of the Iraqis, but the target rich environment of foriegn bad guys, is the business of any nation on our side in the WOT. Besides that, I know that the leadership in Iran is an enemy to the U. S. and England. Is it not an enemy to France as well? Does it escape everyone’s attention that most of our crack forces are in Iraq (Iran’s western front) and Afganastan (Iran’s eastern front). How stupid of us to be (quagmired) in Iraq and at the same time have Iran surrounded.
I guess France wants to beg out of what ever action is necessary to stop them. It is to bad we cannot allow Iran to dominate France before we stop them from polluting the world with their ilk.
I understand that a lot of you all have good reasons to distrust the French. But considering that Sarkozy ran as a Pro-American candidate. against a Socialist, and presenting the idea that the American Method is one worth using.
And frankly, Europe is finally waking up to the fact that Socialism is a failure. Pro-American, Pro-Free Market Solution candidates are winning in Europe.
Europe will turn around.
Well, well, well, I see Le Grande Republique is yet again the latecomer to the party after our boys have for years been blown up, cut, lost body parts, thrown themselves on hand-grenades and had their heads blown apart by snipers. What are they listening to? Hillary Clinton’s recent remark that the surge is working? Is that what they’ve been waiting for to make sure their asses are yet again covered by decent western neighbors?
Now we’re privileged to hear the French want to be useful by sticking their toe into the shallow end of the Baghdad pool.
Excuse me while I upchuck a ’94 Cotes-du-Rhone all over the nearest Frog Embassy!!!