This may be the only possible way Sarkozy has to implement more pro-US policies, given the rabied French anti-Americanism. Vedrine can be used as a Trojan horse, given his solid anti-American credentials, to give the appearance of traditional French anti-Americanism but real power will lie with Sarkozy.

The French are renowned for inventing useless ideological terminologies that spawn nasty and illiberal movements. If Vedrine really is the author of the loopy "hyperpower" theory that somehow, the world's formost democray needs "balancing" by supporting a number of disgusting dictatorships and thug-powers, then he is only giving reality to the confused French political mindset nationally, which is based on envy of anything Anglo-Saxon, as they say.

Peter Gee, Nairobi, Kenya

I would not be concerned about Védrine's anti-American stance in the past. Védrine would only be the experienced representative extension of Sarkozy's own foreign policy, rather than Védrine's foreign policy standing alone. I consider the selection of Védrine as a fair and balanced formation of Sarkozy's new government. The only problem is with the Socialists being a party of political nonsenses and ideological exclusions in France, strictly limited to the left and only the left. To run a republican form of government representing the domestic and foreign affairs of France to the world requires a broad reach of consensus thinkers, policy-shapers and decision-makers from across the political spectrum. This is Sarkozy's intention in the shaping of his new government, only in France.

Pax, Delaware, USA

The socialist in France behave the same as the democrats in America.

Jack, Pasadena, USA

To Qoute a world famous President Of The United States Of America......Keep your friends close but keep your enemies closer. Abe Lincoln

curt gustafson, sun city, az

Give the man time. This striving to include multiple 'stake-holders' is an excellent idea. I believe that he'll prove a terrific statesman, one whom Europeans, Brits, Americans and others worldwide will respect, and of whom the French can be justifiably proud.

Francois, London, UK

I do not know what Sarkozy will ultimately achieve.
however, i find his idea of uniting people from different sides excellent and enlightened. The reaction from the socialist party speaks books: it is not interested in socialists contributing to France's policy, but only to yield power. If it cannot do so, it prefers it's members to play only a divisive / unproductive role, rather than act in the best interest of France and the french people.
Sad and sobering.

Jim, London, UK

Acording to the latest news the foreign affairs portfolio may be given to a pro-US, interventionnist center-left human rights campaigner, Bernard Kouchner.

Pierre Gardin, Caen, France

Sarkosy does not invite Mr Vedrine for a suspected anti USA stance he does so because Vedrine is pro Nouvelle France,A France led by Sarko will use the best individuals available ,left,centre or right,provided these will happily contribute their talents to Sarko's cause. Francois Holland,s rants and anger are pure sour grapes,a sure indication he is loosing "it".It,being the thousand of votes Vedrine and Co will carry into Sarko,s coffers. As to the future of Mr Chirac,Sarko,s new France carries a new broom and will not burden itself with past indiscretions or les mauvais souvenirs d'autrefois,but forge ahead to new and better horizons.I hope and pray Gordon Brown will succeed to do the same for our country.

james hazan, huddersfield, uk

Interesting!!!!!!!!!

don, SUN CITY WEST, ARIZONA, USA

Sir,

This article demonstrates very clearly that french politicians are never ever friend of either the U.S. or the United Kingdom.
If someone thinks that Sarkhozy is better than Chirac they are mistaken.
Chirac hates Sarkhozy and maybe he is right. He sureky know him very well, as Sarko was for atime the boyfriend of his daughter.

ROSS HENRY, LONDON,

So Sarkozy invites Vedrine to be his foreign minister, very interesting! All sorts of possibilities. But if Vedrine is told he will be expelled by his own party if he accepts. Maybe Sarkozy anticipated this and hoped he could offer him the job without worrying that he would be accepted, so he would make the gesture and then go on to offer it to somebody he really wants?

But then again, suppose he is serious and Vedrine accepts! Suppose everybody sits down and really thinks about what sort of foreign policy is best for France! Like I said, all sorts of possibilities.

Christopher Hobe Morrison, Middletown, Orange County, NY, USA