The Cows Come Home: Suddenly, France and Germany support democracy in Iraq.

The Wall Street Journal Opinion Journal ^ | February 8, 2005 | Brendan Miniter

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If George W. Bush is a cowboy, then one of his most trusted hands just brought in a stray. Thanks to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice's recent trip to Europe, Germany is now promising to rejoin the herd migrating toward Iraqi democracy. This was not how it was supposed to be. Last year John Kerry claimed only he could bring in the wayward European cattle.

It turns out, though, that one of the chief architects of President Bush's "unilateral" policy is also a good diplomat. Ms. Rice won applause in every European country she visited. "We have a lot of experience with the building of functional institutions for countries," said Germany's Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder. "This is a kind of assistance that we would like to make available to the Iraqi government." He added: "I very much am of the opinion, and we both, I think, know that the international community of states is now called upon to come in and help, and Germany certainly will do so."

The "international community" is now behind the policy of building a stable and peaceful democracy in Iraq. What a turnabout this is from just a few months ago. Expect President Bush to find a warm reception on his coming European tour.

It should be said that this was the likely result for whoever won the White House last November. Europe cannot long afford to isolated itself from the United States. Yet let us not discount Ms. Rice's magnanimity. Her poise, grace and eloquence make it easier for Germany to do what it would do anyway. But the bottom line is that Mr. Schroeder is promising to train Iraqi troops (albeit outside of Iraq) and provide other assistance, all while praising the recent elections there …

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DENMARK

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ESTONIA

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