Chirac changes his tune

That, is the long and short of it. I am afraid that France will be paying a large price, both economic and political, for turning against its allies. "What goes around comes around!"

I wish the Brits were closer to us than they are to Europe, but I think Tony is an anomaly. He's taking a licking for his agreement with us. From reading and net conversation, I feel like the average Brit on the street hates us as much as the average Frenchie.

I'll tell you the truth-- I'm afraid for Britain. France, Germany et al will drag Britain down in the Socialist toilet bowl, after talking them into suicidal depression. I foresee economic disaster if they unite under one currency. I wish the Brits would forego their link up with Europe and forge a serious alliance with us and the little Europeans. Up until this Iraq mess, I would have thought Russia would've been a part of it, too.

We need to tighten up with our friends, and leave our enemies to their own devices.
IMO.

How much closer should Britain ally with the US? Become the 51st state? I'm sure the British, including their leader, think we're close enough right now. Anyone who's spent any time in the UK will know that the rest of Europe is very important to them. And that includes France and Germany.

Regarding the idea that France and Germany don't deserve a role in post-war Iraq: Is Iraq some sort of prize the US and UK have won, and only those countries deserve to benefit? I get the sense that's the general idea right now. I'm sure the can of worms is big enough for any country that wants to get involved, but if our leaders want it all to themselves, that's fine, too.

I hope the UK and the European Union will be able to forge a strong alliance and become a buffer to the economic and military power of our country.

We still seem to have too many citizens of a John Wayne mentality -- and since we cannot constrain ourselves when people like Bush and his handlers gain control -- it would be best for us -- and the rest of the world -- if there were a balancing force elsewhere.

And for anyone who thinks that has anti-patriotic overtones -- I say: read it again. It is a patriotic statement -- and it expresses a love both for my country -- and for the rest of humanity.

There are times when it seems to me that the French change their minds with their socks. They accuse the Coalition of acting in the wrong and in general slagging off the UK/USA action. The French are very unpredictable and there is a chip on their shoulders and has been for many a long year.
No, Iraq isn't a prize and shouldn't be treated as one. Rebuilding the country is an enorous task that will need many contributors. My big concern is that too many vested interests will spoil the end result. It seems to me that a central non political body working with the new Iraqi Government and the contributors is the best way forward. A clearing house involving the major international charities and the UN keeping a hand on the tiller.

The idea that the UK could become the 51st state would be seen as a huge move, both in the UK, USA and around the world. I could see a lot of wailing and gnashing of teeth at such a proposal. But in my own view I feel that Britain has a lot more in common with America than it has with Europe. Not to become the 51st state but to cement trade and economic matters in a more formal way may be of benefit. Afterall, there is a vast amount of financial and industrial investment by both parties in both countries.

If I may add my .02c worth of comment on this subject. First of all, we are a world economy, and isolation does not work very well. The UK must do everything to look at the long term economic impact of whatever choices they make today. As for linking their currency with the EU, I believe, will be a disadvantage for the UK, because they will not be able to control their own fate in terms of currency valuation and inflation. The UK has enjoyed a relatively protected economy from the recession now being experienced in the EU. With Germany being the strongest economy in the EU at present, their economy has been in recession for several years, and their unemployment is shooting upwards out of control. Another interesting dynamics is the value of the US dollar decreasing against the Euro. Good for the US, and bad for the EU, because it makes American products cheaper and more competitive in the world markets. Finally, I think the best move that the UK can make now is to wait until this world termoil is over - probabely in another five years or so. They can always make a more rational decision by waiting. c.i.