The Unbearable Lightness of Franco-American Relations

I do remember, a few years ago when America had a more belligerent president and France did not want to take part in the campaign against Saddam Hussein, the American right had not very nice things to say.

The less insulting nickname for the French was Fwench, while "Cheese Eating Surrender Monkeys" enjoyed vast popularity. The most delirant folks speculated on whether France would become the first Muslim country in Europe or not.

And in turn the European left had nasty nicknames for Bush and the Americans too.

But in the last few weeks, France rushed to war against the flamboyant Libyan dictator Gheddafi. France started bombing before anyone else, and Obama went in tow, only late and without any apparent strategy or convinction.

Ah, how the wheels turn!