[jriemer]

When it comes to terrorism, the French are bi-polar hypocrits. They are completely blase, permismissive abettors about terrorism in outher countries; however, they are 1000% ruthless when it comes to terrorism interefering with their own national interests.

The GIGN and the FFL have been routinely been used to protect French (and only French) interests world-wide from terrorism.

The Rainbow Warrior was "scuttled" (albiet sloppily) because Green Peace interfered with the French interest to remain an independant nuclear weapon-producing nation. With GP meddling with French nuclear testing in the Pacific, they couldn't maintain that independant status and *gasp* may have to rely on another nation for nuclear testing data. If another country attempted the same act of overt sabatoge, they would be promptly scolded by the French in the UN Security Council.

[csvset]

however, they are 1000% ruthless when it comes to terrorism interefering with their own national interests.

Anytime someone, anyone, anywhere, kills Islamic wackos, it's a good day.

[Dr. Eckleburg]

Good points. I wonder why the French/Iraqi oil ties aren't being played up more, especially in light of Monsieur Kerry's international connections.