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Chirac is adamant force is not necessary at this stage France's President Jacques Chirac has reaffirmed his country's opposition to war with Iraq, saying international weapons inspections can still resolve the crisis peacefully. Mr Chirac was speaking at the end of a summit meeting in Paris with leaders from 51 African countries, who unanimously backed the French diplomatic stance on Iraq. Meanwhile UK Foreign Secretary Jack Straw has said that the Iraq crisis is entering its final phase and that Britain will ensure that Iraq is disarmed and any threat from Saddam Hussein removed. His comments came as UK...

The Chirac-Hussein Connection STRATFOR ^ | Feb 19, 2003 | Staff Posted on 02/19/2003 10:25 AM EST by Axion The Chirac-Hussein Connection Feb 19, 2003 Summary French President Jacques Chirac is a pivotal figure on the international scene, whose views on Iraq are of vital concern. Those views are not driven simply by geopolitics, however. The factors that shape his thinking include a long, complex and sometimes mysterious relationship with Saddam Hussein. The relationship is not secret, but it is no longer as well known as it once was -- nor is it well known outside of France. It is...

<p>A restaurant in Beaufort, N.C., has stopped serving french fries--or at least calling them that. "We now serve freedom fries," says owner Neal Rowland. His move recalls American anger at Germany during World War I. Back then familiar German foods such as frankfurters and sauerkraut were rechristened hot dogs and liberty cabbage. Polls show a full one-third of Americans now hold hostile views toward France, largely as a result of its government's refusal to enforce the U.N. resolutions calling on Iraq to disarm and otherwise comply with the terms of the Gulf War cease-fire. Just three months ago, France joined a unanimous Security Council in warning Iraq of "serious consequences" if it failed to take a "final opportunity" to comply "immediately."</p>