Self interest is hardly a new direction for France, is it?

Clark, Gen., Switz

France turn to a good path. Kouchner and there government have to help people in Irak, not just to support America but to said to iraki that we're present when they need a support. I think, it's fine.

Edouard GUERIN, Paris, France

Interesting questions Mika. I won't debate the morality of France's decision not to meaningfully participate in the Iraq war, as a nation has a right to choose how and when to deploy it's sons and daughters. What's clear is that economic arrangements did play a role in France's reluctance to contribute to Hussein's overthrow, and economics has played a significant role in bringing France into the post-war reconstruction effort. By economics, of course I mean profit.

If some degree of bribery is required, so be it. America has certainly mishandled numerous aspects of the counterinsurgency, but the strength and morale of insurgents in Iraq finds its root cause in the lack of international solidarity and vested interest in Iraq's successful future. A war of propoganda and public image is being waged, and as long as it's being waged against America alone they'll have an advantage among those who've been born, raised and educated to hate her.

Kevin, New York,

france would be in contempt of humanity if they accepted a share of the oil. if they are serious about 'helping' then oil revenue will not even come into it.

can't you Americans understand it's not France's oil, or your oil, it's Iraq's oil. and if it was left to a secure Iraqi government to extract from the earth, then they wouldn't need our charity to rebuild, they could rebuild their own country.

yes France should get involved, but let them do it without advancing their own interests. then Mr Sarkozy, you would really command the world's attention and respect.

Tony Edwards, Sydney, Australia

France should not involve itself in Iraq militarily but should engage an aggressive diplomatic agenda to reduce sectarian violence and ethnic cleansing. France currently has political capital that must be spent wisely but the French must take their time and move forward cautiously. If President George Bush is willing to listen and be more receptive to advise then hopefully the number of dead service men and women killed in Iraq would not reach or surpass 5,000. The only regret is the number of valiant American and British service men and women that laid down their lives for a cause that was based on deception and fraud.

Niwa Sofola, Atlanta, Ga. USA

Thanks to opposition of the war in 2003, France is in a good position to broker agreements in Iraq (and probably end up with all the rebuilding contracts to boot when things even out). I think the previous and current administrations may be more in step with improving French prestige and economy than bickering with one another over policy. Whatever one says about the state of the other two, 'Fraternité' seems healthy enough.

Greg, Chicago,

Self interest is hardly a new direction for France.

Clark, Gen., Switz

Sounds like a real dilemma for you out there guys.
Not waging a war alongside with the US and Britain was taken as an offense.
Getting involved now, seems highly suspiscious.
What should France do then ?.
Russia planting a flag on the ocean bed at the North Pole, do you think thousands of slain irakis and UK, US TROOPS do give a d... about this pseudo intellectual analysis.
People are crying out loud for help, peace and stability.
Now about profits, let's not engage ourselves in this matter, there is so much to say. For now, first things first.

A Bourde., Paris, France

Yes, and perhaps it is just the opportunity to run away that the Brits have been looking for.

Tim S, Las Cruces, NM

This is great news for both Britain and America that France has signalled its willingness to be engaged both on Iraq and more broadly throughout the Middle East. The Middle East and the world are both at a critical juncture at the moment. Whatever our thoughts about the wisdom of deposing Saddam Hussein in 2003, the reality is that events unfolding in Iraq right now will determine whether or not the Middle East sways towards liberal democracy and stability or theocracy and chaos.

With all at stake, it is a welcome sign to see France, the UK and US - the three most influential Western powers - on the same page and working together. After the 2008 election in the United States, there will almost assuredly be a new chapter of Western solidarity as a new American president will likely reduce European public anxiety about working closely with a chastened post-Iraq America. This means progress and is good for the West, good for the Middle East and good for the world.

H Juneja, London, England

Everybody speaks of rebuilding democracy, re-instituting infrastructure, and so on. Unfortunately for us, Iraq has never had a democracy. The country has been thrown back and forth between military coups, greedy rulers. and monarchs. Saddam Hussein was just one such man.

The more we pretend that we are restoring the western ideals of democracy to a nation that has never ventured from theocracy and monarchy, the further we are from the goals of the international community. Creating a new state, built on a democratic model, requires diplomacy and a POLITICAL infrastructure more than a useless and costly security infrastructure. The only way to encourage collaboration is to actually encourage collaboration.

Gary P, Brooklyn, NY

When will the French Foreign legion (Légion étrangère) arrive in Basra?

Mike Fernandes, Durham, North Carolina, USA

Yes France should be more involved in the Middel East, and can provide Ecnomic Alternatives, for rebuilding Iraq. Since we Americans have spent all the rebuilding capital on Security instead of infracture. And yes there is a window for French Companies to gain a foot hold within the Iraq Ecnomy.

robert pelton, federal way, washington, USA

Perhaps France will get a proportionate share in Iraq's Oil resources..and this may be the carrot for hesitating European powers to jojn the US in re-building Democracy in Iraq.

B.E.S.T.Rajan, San Antonio, Texas. USA