Posted on 11/16/2004 1:11:56 PM PST by SmithL
PARIS -- In Europe, it's hard for some to think of Condoleezza Rice -- Colin Powell's expected replacement as U.S. secretary of state -- without recalling the low points in trans-Atlantic relations that grew out of the war in Iraq.
After all, it was Rice who raised eyebrows last year with her Machiavellian suggestions for how Washington should treat European opponents of the U.S.-led invasion.
"Punish France, ignore Germany and forgive Russia," Rice was widely quoted as telling associates in the spring of 2003.
Trans-Atlantic ties have since improved to some extent. But Rice's reputation still precedes her.
"Condie Rice is a woman with character, that's the least we can say," French Foreign Minister Michel Barnier said Tuesday of President Bush's trusted national security adviser.
But Barnier underlined French hopes of rebuilding ties with the United States no matter who holds the post of chief diplomat. "If she is named ... we will continue to have the same relations," Barnier told Europe-1 radio. "With the United States, the moment has come, looking ahead of us, to rebuild, to renew this trans-Atlantic relationship."
Many in Europe, Asia and the Middle East believed Rice will add a more conservative, hawkish bent to U.S. diplomacy after Powell, seen by many as a moderating voice in a Cabinet of hawks.
(Excerpt) Read more at sfgate.com ...
My quote would have started out "Nuke France..."
Oooh, I get all giddy just reading that.
I'd love for Condi Rice to find out her people came from the Ivory Coast.
Chirac thinks France is Europe. He's partially right. France is Europe's outhouse.
"I say we take off and Nuke 'em from orbit -- it's the only way to be sure."
At the very least, no one will mistake Condie for a doormat!
You go girl!
This is hilarious. Bush's cabinet is full of hawks? Compared to what, Clinton's cabinet? Old media, you haven't seen hawkish until we get a FReeper cabinet going.
If we were in charge, Iran would be a democracy already and Syria would be turning over Saddam's WMDs, due to pressure exerted by an unrestrained Israel.
Game over man, game over!
What she couldn't look in the mirror and see she was jewish?
I can tell ya, they would have thought we are nutty far far right if they are aware of our stands. ;-)
your right, Chirac really does think France is the greatest thing in Europe, and that De Gaulle ("you do the work and I'll take the credit") is the greatest statesmen in history.
I do so despise that man (angry smiley)
Good point! Sometimes, among Repubs, that's a difficult distinction to make.
"Punish France. Ignore Germany. Forgive Russia."
God Bless this great patriot.
Not so fast, Barny!
Has France ceased seeing herself as the center of the universe?
Has France ceased talking down to other countries as if they were children?
Has France finally accepted her current role as a third rank power in the first world?
Call us back when you figure it out.
Although all countries deserve equal respect, the are definitely not equal!
I am proud to share Condi Rice's birthday. what a great American.
French men pee in public more than any other Europeans, and that's a lot. So many French cities reek of urine. They are our cultural superiors, in their minds, by the way.
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