Must be their poxcimity to France.
Rest of article:
When the Iraqis go to the polls on Jan. 30 and see that the rest of the world supports them in their desire to secure peace and democracy, we will all have taken a significant step forward, one that could be definitive, both for them and for us.
Something similar could be said of Palestine. A considerable responsibility now rests on the shoulders of the new president of the Palestinian National Authority, Mahmoud Abbas. Ariel Sharon and George Bush must also play their part, but the Palestinian president has the leading role. Neither should we overlook the contribution that the European leaders have to make. Allowing terrorism to flourish is what has led the Palestinian people into the deadlock that exists today. Obstinate attempts to secure a future without Israel have led the Palestinians to throw away every opportunity they have had over the last 50 years. Consenting to an administration beset by corruption is the real cause for Palestinian impoverishment. Now we are faced with a new opportunity, one that neither Mr. Abbas nor Israel can afford to waste. Americans and Europeans must support the parties involved when they are moving in the right direction, but it is also their duty to withdraw that support when they observe that certain conditions persist that prevent Palestine from marching toward a serious, trustworthy and democratic state.
In five weeks' time, President Bush will travel to Europe. He will find a larger European Union, whose council now includes various heads of government whose countries suffered Communist tyranny for 40 years. Two years ago, certain European leaders decided to break ranks with Allied policies. I believe they would find it difficult to explain themselves to future generations if they did not direct all their efforts now into rebuilding the Atlantic relationship and raising NATO from the depths to which they have sunk it.
It is impossible to believe that Europe can provide a feasible alternative to the United States whilst it continues to be so economically and militarily vulnerable. The best policy Europe's leaders can pursue would be to make the most of President Bush's visit in order to strengthen the political and military alliance and begin to carry out all of the reforms that Europe needs so that it can really compete with the United States within a global free market. There is no sense in dwelling on the negative aspects of the Atlantic relationship in the past. Now we must face the future challenges to Western security together. Frustrating Iran's nuclear ambitions will be a good opportunity.
Every leader within the international community must respond to these challenges and this should mean promoting freedom and democracy, and not consist, once again, in pursuing a low-profile tactical game. The best thing about placing our faith in freedom is that it always shows us the right path to follow. That is why, as we stand on the threshold of a new term, I would not wish the United States to be the only country prepared to give freedom a chance.