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 ...
Ooooo, a FReeper cabinet... sends chills up my spine just thinking about it! Daydreaming... liberals in horror, commies clutching their children in fear... Nah. Never happen. But it's getting close!
France will always be there for us when they need us.
It won't be long before the Euros start exhibiting their underlying racist tendencies....and they'll do it at Dr. Rice's expense. Mark my words - they will start to sound just like our liberal race-baiters who diss successful conservative blacks with derrogatory and hateful language.
Toughen up a little on Russia and you'll do great, Condi.
"I have to confess, it was hard for me to concentrate in the conversation with Condoleezza Rice because she has very nice legs." -Ariel Sharon, 2001
"The Americans need France in Iraq and overall in the Middle East...." Moisi said
For what?
De acuerdo amigo mió! Solo los perros orinan en la calle! Viva Bush!
This might be counter productive. Chirac might be into punishment.
We would just issue our own "flannel-wah" and that would be that! Done.
"Punish France, ignore Germany, and forgive Russia"
Very sexy, indeed.
We should've punished Germany by letting them keep France after WWII.
France is Palestine!
Mostly I think we need to get a lot of money out of France for the people of Iraq, that was stolen from them in OFF. Then there is the little matter of the billions that the despicable Arafat stashed somewhere. Why is France so sweet to him? Was he paying them off? Was Suha the conduit? The world wonders. When will Justice be served?
In case our troops need latte's, or maybe a nuanced, insightful review on old paintings, while fighting terrorists in Iraq.
Punish France?
But that would suggest that France MATTERS!
And why did her weaselly little associates have to leak that to the press? I hate that.
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.
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Yea and the funniest thing about the whole thing is that the more 'Hawkish', 'Hardlined', 'Warmongering' our foreign policy is - the more peaceful and safer the world will be.
This is a fundmental truth the left just does not get. Similar to their ideas that a gun = a shooting. a military = death and war.
In actuality, gun proliferation = lower crime and a strong military = greater peace.
I agree for what?? In how to surrender??
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