[Mudcat]

France is #8 on the GDP list, and #20 on the per capita GDP list (reference: CIA and CIA). The US is #1 for GDP and #3 for per capita GDP. French folk have fallen behind India, China, Belgium, Austria... and many others. Just a few steps ahead of has-been Sweden in the per capita department, and Brazil in the total GDP category. When you're a national leader in charge of a country going down the tubes, blame someone else and divert your citizens' attention if you want to stay in power. It's worked for Castro for several decades...

[libs_kma]

When you're a national leader in charge of a country going down the tubes, blame someone else and divert your citizens' attention if you want to stay in power. It's worked for Castro for several decades...

I wonder how much of this statement fits Chirac and how much of his attitude toward the US is genuine... then I think about the rapid irrelevance of France on the world stage and I think it gives me the answer.