France's dodgy deals (Filed: 11/07/2003) Why does the French ruling class have such a tendresse for geopolitical rough trade? The French seem to love cutting deals with the worst elements of the international system. Everyone knows about President Chirac's long-time dalliance with Ba'athist Iraq. But less well known have been his attempts to treat with Serb nationalism. The War Crimes Tribunal in the Hague has now heard allegations that Mr Chirac agreed to sabotage the extradition of General Ratko Mladic, one of the worst of the Bosnian Serb war criminals, in exchange for the release of two French pilots captured...