The NZA Posted March 20, 2003 Share Posted March 20, 2003 France does not expect to rival America but to tame it, restrain it, thwart it — and to accept the world's laurels for having led the way. Not only would this make France leader of the global opposition. It would also restore France to what it sees as its rightful place as leader of Europe. Which is why the great subplot in the Iraq drama is the fate of Tony Blair. Blair represents precisely the alternative vision — Churchillian vs. Gaullist — of accepting and working with American leadership in the world. Chirac's U.N. stand has caused Blair huge political difficulties at home, where much of his own Labour Party opposes him on Iraq. If Blair can be politically destroyed, France will have demonstrated to the world the price of going with America — and defying France. Other players — such as the East Europeans, whom Chirac has already rudely threatened for supporting the U.S.--will have to think twice when deciding whether to go with America or the French-led opposition. Dean Acheson famously said, "Britain has lost an empire but has not yet found a role." France too lost an empire but has found its role: giant killer. Remaker of the post — cold war world. Leader of the global anti-American camp. That's a fairly heavy accuzation, hadnt thought of their angle to that extent...conspiracy theory or not, there's some points within there, have to look it over a bit more. What does everyone else make if of this? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jumbie Posted March 20, 2003 Share Posted March 20, 2003 I don't see how france considers themselves a "true friend" to the US like you say jumbie, not when their trying to pull these kind of diplomatic tricks. I did say the French PEOPLE saw themselves as friends. The govt of France has other (cynical) reasons. Just as Many Americans support this war for other reasons than their leaders - who have been wanting this war since before sept 11th. (Esp Rumsfeld and Wolfowitz) to show American superiority to the world. IC, the effort to try and restrain US power has never been a secret for France. Their foreign minister is especially thought to be pushing for a role for France in the world, which will give it greater leverage in Europe itself. With Europe becoming more integrated that's a definite issue for them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jumbie Posted March 21, 2003 Share Posted March 21, 2003 Ahgh. We'll all be having FRENCH toast again soon. http://www.nytimes.com/2003/03/20/internat...20CND-EURO.html username: drunkennews password: pinky Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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