[Noachian]

The U.S. is firmly backing France in the Ivory Coast.

I find this objectionable. The US has no national interests in backing the French when they make war against a smaller country.

France did everything in the Ivory Coast that they said America should not be doing in Iraq. They acted unilaterally, and without the UN's approval. So why is our State Dept. holding France's hand?

The State Dept. may find it tactful, but this would be a perfect opportunity to come down hard on the French as hypocrits.

[sympathyforthedevil]

The UN security council passed *unanimously* resolution 1464 sending UN peacekeepers and French soldiers in Ivory Coast to enforce a ceasefire signed by both parties. President Gbagbo violated those agreements by bombing rebel positions. Moreover, under UN mandate, French troops are fully entitled to protect themselves and threatened civilians (including of course non-French). Does that answer the question ?

Quote from bbc article
"The troops were authorized to take any necessary steps to ensure their own security and freedom of movement and "the protection of civilians threatened with imminent violence"

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/2727365.stm

[Irish_Thatcherite]

The State Dept. may find it tactful, but this would be a perfect opportunity to come down hard on the French as hypocrits.

Condi's in the State Department now - so you never know.