[Stingray51]

Great column. I would only add that the French refusal of overflight rights for our planes during the strike on Libya was likely a contributing factor in the April 15, 1986 loss of one our Air Force F-111 aircraft, resulting in the death of the pilot, Capt. Fernando L. Ribas Dominieci, 33, and the navigator, Capt. Paul F. Lorence, 31.