[Stratman]

The French have been this way for decades. As far as I have read, they were this independent in WWII.

What the US has to realize is the French see themselves as a counter-weight to American global influence. By being deliberately contradictory to American foreign policy, they are able to garner support from other nations who also disagree with American actions but are unable to voice their opinion on the world stage. This places them as the leader of those opposed, which in essence gives the French a certain amount of political clout. If it weren't the French, it would be some other country.

[sarasmom]

Welcome to FR, tomorrow.
No, it does NOT follow that if the french were not trying to backstab the USA, it would be someone else.
The french, like their Canadian and African whores, are unique in that respect.
They blythely assume the USA is much too rational to lower ourselves to retaliate in kind.
They forget the "F" factor, and that the USA created the "F" concept.
The french are soooo "F"ed, and the funny part is, they are totally clueless about how thoroughly and permanently they are "F"ed.
And how little anyone else really cares.