President Bush heralded a “new era of transatlantic unity” when he arrived in
France yesterday, with the location of his speech as significant as its
content. By choosing Paris for what White House officials described as “the
centrepiece” of his week-long farewell trip to Europe, Mr Bush sought to put
the seal on a dramatic transformation in relations with France since
President Sarkozy was elected last year.
Britain, which for so long has acted as a sometimes rickety bridge across the
Atlantic, no longer has such strategic diplomatic importance. President Bush
is spending two nights in Paris, but only one in London tomorrow — when he
will have a private dinner with Gordon Brown after seeing the Queen. Much of
his trip to Britain will be devoted to the relatively parochial issue of
Northern Ireland before he heads home.
While the Prime Minister has shied away from being seen as too close to the
American President — the British Embassy in Washington, for instance,
operating under strict orders to maintain a low profile — the French
President has quite deliberately donned the mantle once worn by Tony Blair,
defiantly — even triumphantly — talking up his love for all things American.
Yesterday a US diplomat called Mr Sarkozy the “axis on which our relations
with Europe will turn”, adding that his “penchant for action rather than
reflection” suited Mr Bush’s own temperament.
Laura Bush told reporters on Air Force One yesterday that she appreciated the
warmth that Mr Sarkozy displayed towards her country — “I think all
Americans do”. She then told how the US Ambassador in Paris had slipped into
the back row of a meeting recently and heard Mr Sarkozy say some “very
pro-American things” that were not “for his benefit — he didn’t think
Sarkozy knew he was there”.
At the conference of international donors for Afghanistan on Wednesday,
Britain pledged far more money towards rebuilding the country than France,
but it was Mr Sarkozy, the host of the meeting, who seized the spotlight,
declaring that he would maintain his commitment to Afghanistan until there
was victory, adding: “We cannot give into torturers.”
And, while Britain has been quietly supportive of Mr Bush’s efforts to
strengthen sanctions against Iran for defying the UN over its nuclear
programme, it is Mr Sarkozy who has been making the noise, delighting
Washington by saying the West must choose between “an Iranian bomb and the
bombing of Iran”.
Mr Bush recently told The Times: “It’s going to be hard for any nation to
trump the United Kingdom as our greatest ally.” Mr Sarkozy, however, is
giving it his best shot.
France, which has historically had a love-hate relationship with the US, has
not had such an overtly pro-American leader since the First World War. Mr
Sarkozy is ready to risk hostility from his own public by becoming
Washington’s ally-in-chief, breaking with the Gaullist policy of isolation
that Jacques Chirac pursued not least over the invasion of Iraq. “The frost
is over,” said an Elysée Palace aide. “We want to show the warmth that now
exists between the two countries after the frictions of the recent past.”
Mr Brown has an uneasy relationship with Europe, often missing summits or
turning up late. Mr Sarkozy, meanwhile, is aiming to make the most of his
government’s turn in the six-month presidency of the EU to boost its profile
in Washington still further. “We are ‘Europe’s phone number’ until next
January,” said a Foreign Ministry official.
Unlike Silvio Berlusconi, the Italian Prime Minister, who this week was almost
embarrassingly effusive in his praise for Mr Bush, Mr Sarkozy has also been
assiduous in looking beyond the present Administration to build a long-term
alliance with America.
When Barack Obama considered a trip to Europe last summer, Mr Sarkozy offered
him the full Elysée Palace treatment. Mr Brown, wary of upsetting Hillary
Clinton, promised only an informal “drop-by” meeting.
Bernard Kouchner, the French Foreign Minister, said yesterday that the
election of a new US President would open the chance for a stream of new
transatlantic initiatives, covering energy, climate change and finance.
Indeed, Mr Sarkozy has told Mr Bush bluntly that he must do more to tackle
climate change, as well as being sharply critical of US trade policy and
what he sees as Washington’s deliberate devaluing of the dollar. The bond
between the two leaders is so strong that the White House sees such
instances as challenges rather than a source of division.
In his speech to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development in
Paris yesterday, Mr Bush heaped more praise on Mr Sarkozy for committing
additional troops to Afghanistan and talked about America’s historic ties
with France. He added: “When the time comes to welcome the new American
President next January, I will be pleased to report that the relationship
between the United States and Europe is the most vibrant it has ever been.”
He said the new era of co-operation in the pursuit of liberty for the Middle
East had been demonstrated by the leadership of Mr Sarkozy, Mr Berlusconi,
Angela Merkel, the German Chancellor, and Mr Brown. It was testament to
America’s changing priorities that, discussing this section of the speech
later, a White House official missed out the name of the British Prime
Minister.
Through thick and thin
France
Highs
1776 France secretly aids the Americans in their War of Independence
1884 The friendship between the two Republics is symbolised by France’s
gift of the Statue of Liberty to America
1944 Americans liberate Paris
Lows
1942 Charles de Gaulle clashes with President Roosevelt
1967 President de Gaulle closes Nato HQ in France and pulls out of the
alliance
2003 President Chirac opposes Iraq invasion
Britain
Lows
1776 America declares independence
1814 British troops raid Washington and burn the “Presidential Mansion”
that later became known for its subsequent paint-job as the “White House”
1956 The US opposes the invasion of Egypt in the Suez crisis
Highs
1946 Sir Winston Churchill coins the phrase “special relationship"
after the alliance between Britain and America helped to defeat Hitler
1980s Thatcher and Reagan form a transatlantic axis
2001 Tony Blair declares he will stand “shoulder-to-shoulder"
with the American people – and its president – after 9/11
I'm happy to see relations have improved with France in the last couple of years, but I don't think they will ever trump Britain long-term. You're talking about a partnership that has lasted nearly a century vs. one that is new and has historically been sporadic. I love France but UK is still #1.
Daniel, Seattle, USA
French aid was secret until 1778, when the two nations signed a treaty of mutual alliance, and France declared war on Britain shortly thereafter. She supplied 90% of the gunpowder the US used during the war and sent many obsolete muskets. At Yorktown the French had over 10,000 troops.
Mark, Brookline, MA, USA
Andrew: Why can you make the distinction between Europe's peoples and gvnmt, but are unable to make that distinction regarding America? European people dislike the American gvnmt, not the American people. Actually, just about everyone everywhere dislikes the American gvnt.. Sarkozy: another poodle.
Jude, Nanjing, China
Having lived in both countries, I can say that the English are truly America's cousins. We may squabble from time to time, but we spring from a common stream of civilization. Sure, you can find Brits who dislike Americans. You can find people who dislike ale. So what?
Ray, Nashville, USA
Just because the government in a particular country likes America doesn't mean the people in that country do. Like for instance, both the British and French governments love America, but most Britons and French people hate America.
Andrew, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
I wouldn't mind having Sarkozy running for US President this year, I've been enamored with him since he spoke to our congress.
Thomas, Modesto, USA
I think it is 'petty' to compare friends, the US has a historic and strong relationship with the UK. We always will. Building a new friendship shoud not be seen as a threat; I hope the US could be so lucky as to forge multiple friendships like the bond we have with the Brits.
Tara Cole, Memphis, USA
While it's good to hear of warming relationships with France, the US will always look to Britain as our closest ally. We share a common language and a shared view on individual liberty. Napoleon scorned Britain as a nation of shopkeepers, and thereby identified a common fundamental theme between us.
Ian, Durham, USA
To Mary, Los Angeles, and all our friends across the "pond". Many brits may dislike the politics of President Bush - we're not too enamoured of our own PM! - but the average brit does not hate the average American.
Angela, Mold, Wales
We, Americans, would love to be friends with France. Hopefully, the integrity of Sarkozy will trickle down to the French people so that they will gain our trust. We would dearly like see the French people as we did when the USA was founded. But that depends on their rhetoric.
Clem, USA,
Most Americans are essentially transplanted Europeans who have more in common with Europe than than they have differences. Like any extended family, there will be quarrels and differences of opinion, but in they end we're all in it together. The UK remains closest, but the others are important too
geno, Cincinnati, USA
Many years ago a woman I loved moved to France to marry another. I still miss her.
Dirty Sanchez, Nebraska , USA
Wow!!! We have French fries, again...Oh, yea, and French Toast!!!
Yes, all is right with the world......Well, almost.....
d. speedie, london, canada
have been living in France for 38 years ...From freedom fries toAmerika being best friend of France ....no problem just nothing in commom...the us should stick to the uk poodles
bill okeefe, paris , france
France may be US's next best friend. No worry to Britain because the British and the white Americans are distant cousins. This relationship will not likely change unless there are more and more African Americans or maybe Asian Americans.
Umm, the future is really hard to predict.
Lim , Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Paul X: Truer words were never spoken, sir. Love her or hate her, America's strength is what keeps other nations from tearing each other apart. There's always got to be a bigger buy on the block if for no other reason than to prevent anarchy.
Stephen, York, USA
Tourism must be down. Why else would they need us?
Jack, boston, USA
I wonder what the reaction in the US will be when Syria's ruler get a state visit from Lil' Sarkozy next month .
<br/>
<br/>Sarkozy should have controlled himself and wait for the totally irrelevant Bush to be out of the Whit House before acting like a teenager in love ,again.
Julio, Nancy, France
I think the leadership in a lot of Western countries is waking up and smelling the coffee. After all, what would happen if Uncle Sam decided to pack up its military and go home? If history is any guide, a recent article about the state of France's military suggests that panic would be in order.
Paul X, California, USA
Neither Brits nor French hate Americans, but we don't trust their Government. After the USA let us down over Suez in 1956, we realised that if we were ever attacked, we could not rely on the USA. The French only reacted logically by pulling out of NATO & building their own nuclear deterrent.
Peter Lloyd, BLACKER HILL, South Yorkshire
Sarko is not improving his abysmal popularity ratings here in Paris with that kind of stuff.
Domino, Paris,
The day America loses that unique and special relationship with Britain is going to be one of the worst days in recorded history. We are united with the British, have a genuine love and respect for you and your differences. May we ever be friends.
Stearling, Salem, Oregon, USA
Where was France when it was time to tackle global terrorism? Now that we've blown al Qaeda back into the stone ages, France comes along and wants to be buddies.
Pete, Dallas, USA
Some here have said that France is only our friend when it needs or wants something from us. I would agree with that statement, up until Sarkozy's inauguration as France's current president. I believe he has a genuine love of America and our people.
John, Los Angeles, USA
While I welcome a friendlier relationship with the French; I trust the Brits a 100 times more than I would ever trust the French.
It is wise to remember who stands strong when the odds are firmly against them and that is certainly our British cousins.
Marianne, Cincinnati,
1943: American had to fight the French in Africa to get to German Offensive.
2006: Airport workers continued to give false or wrong information to Americans at Charles De Gaulle Airport.
Today: What does France want from America. They are only friends when they want or need something.
BillC, El Segundo, USA
Just proof that GW Bush has not tarnished our "image" worldwide except in between the ears of some dusty journalists and leftists. America is a welcoming, peaceful country that warmly embraces all its allies. The degree has more to do with them than us. Our nation is a "mixed" pot, after all.
joyce, Manassas, VA, USA
As an American I always felt the British were more family than friends, along with Canada, Australia and NZ. I think that is one of the reasons British Anti-Americanism is so much more upsetting than German or French Anti-Americanism.
I feel appreciation more to Sarkozy the man than France.
Doug Roman, Downingtown, USA
Canada, UK, Aus, NZ and all other Anglo-Saxon countries aren't our friends. They are us in different places. This best friends business is a little smarmy, don't you think?
RJ Ball, Cincinnati, USA
Although I love history, I do not believe we should base political friendship on favors accomplished hundreds of years before we were born! In our lifetime, Great Britain has proved its loyalty and friendship over and over. If any Englishmen are reading this, then please accept my thanks!
LFH, SC, USA
As far as the average Joe (and Josie) in the U.S. is concerned the French could never really replace the Brits. After all we're separated by a common language.
geoff bob, miami, usa
What a difference a "right" thinking President of France makes in helping America. Vive La France!
Joe Hopersberger, Howell, MI 48843, USA
Would you rank British & French support for the Confederacy during the Civil War a High or Low?
Jim, San Mateo, CA, USA
The UK likes individual Americans.
But 80% of the British did NOT support the US/ Iraq war. We were forced by an undemocratic government elite who ignored us. Result = anti-AmericaN feeling now very high.
No news reports AT ALL on the demonstrations against Bush visiting here today? Why?
Shan Morgain, UK, UK
Good news, but Sarkozy only has a 37% rating and has become an object of scorn in France. To the vast majority of French the USA still isn't a best friend.
phatballedvoyager, Paris, France
The UK and France will always be America's primary allies in the world. We all share too much in common both in terms of history and economies. We don't always agree on each other's policies, as well we shouldn't, but our peoples are linked by familiar bonds. Let's remember that more often!
brian, Euless, TX, USA
You forgot the undeclared war between France and the United States in 1799, and the XYZ affair a few years before.
The US and France have been close to war a number of times, and relations have been mostly bad since the foundation of the 5th republic.
eric lurio, New York, NY ,
Robert writes:
"In 1991 I was in Chad in the US Peace Corp's. It was France's 130's that came in and Evacuated all of the Peace corp The USA sure didnt."
FYI It was France's former colony. They were embroiled in that area's politics, why would the US need to get you out? BTW who built the 130's?
JimmiP, Phoenix, USA
Let's get over taking sides..
Personally, I don't like Sarkozy, Blair, Bush or Brown.
The question now for America is how to prop up the dollar (and money-printing ability) when its military power is so obviously weakened. Dollar hegemony is likely over. Europe has its problems too...
Rob, Paris, France
I'm very happy to see a return to good relations between our two countries. Lest we forget, without the French we (USA) might not exist as a nation. Vive la France!!! BTW This doesn't mean we are not best buddies with UK as well!! God Save the Queen!!!
Kevin, Seattle, USA
This headline sounds like a conversation taken from my class of 7 year olds. I have a novel idea, how about we try and make friends with all the other residents on the planet?
Kim Righetti, Upland, Calif. USA
Jon Livesay, your words are hyperbole. I am a Legionnaire (2e REP), going back to the days surrounding the situation in Tchad. I have neither fought against nor alongside a single force with 100% modern functionality. Equipment supports, not supplants, the mind and strength of Legionnaires.
Marc Brucker, Calvi, Corsica
Hey! What about us here in Canada? Aren't we considered as best friends too? Boo hoo hoo that we've been left out!
Ron, Ontario, Canada
France......America's new European best friend........please. The Brits have ALWAYS had our backs. There This is one American that will never forget that.
Barry Z, Wilmington, DE, USA
I love the French people and I am a conservative
mary markey, Shawnee,
Whiie my veiws on France have moderated somewhat with the new president, it's always been England. We got their back.
RJ, Hershey PA, USA
If America is like a high school flirt, Rich Deveney, then Canada is like the family guest who lives on your couch. Eating your food and enjoying your roof while acting superior, arrrogant and judgmental. All the while biting the hand that feeds him. Thats just the way SHE is.
Matt, Austin, USA
France never has been an enemy of the USA. They have huge communist party influence, with local media support, that for decades has attacked the USA simply because the US is a democracy. This was supported by our own media who also dislike Bush. Sarkozy overcame this and the people elected him.
Vince Hugh, Atlanta, USA
I would not drink a glass of French wine when Chirak led the country, even if it were bought for me. Now I am ready to go out and buy cases! Sarkozy is not only the best thing that has happened to France since the Americans liberated them, he is the best thing that has happened to France.
JC, Moline, USA
Clearly the US knows unelected Mr Brown wont be around for very long, so why bother trying to forge a relationship with him.
alex, southampton,
I have the gut feeling that to many people in the USA, Europe seems like one of our relatives that we like to go visit and stay in touch with, to hear the latest, news or whatever. We're friends. The people of Europe and the things they have accomplished, are fascinating. Let's keep visiting.
G., colorado springs,
As Reuben in the Bible, France is unstable as water. Let us enjoy the benefits but never turn our backs.
Alikospah Wayak'n, Cripple Creek, USA
OK, I guess I can end my 7 year long embargo of French products.
greg, oslo, Norway
Sarkozy, like Bush, Brown, Merkel, and Berlusconi, is unpopular at home and won't be around forever. What matters is the clear convergence of European and American interests on a majority of issues. Bad leadership on both sides of the Atlantic over the past few years couldn't erase that.
Jack, Charlotte, NC, United States
The Brit writers sound almost hurt. Don't fret, we know that at the time any French leader needs public support he will find it handy to bash America. But we also know the reason the British leaders have to go low key is because the British people hate us so much. But we appreciate the support...
Mary, Los Angeles, USA
The French only aided us in the War for Independance because thay wanted to undermine England. Layfayette was considered a rogue by many in the French Court,and Washington distrusted the French crown based mainly on their conduct during the French/Indian War and the battle at Fort Pitt.
John, Harrisburg, USA
I second that comment from Philly. I will go fight for England.
Chuck, Syracuse, United States
America is like the high school flirt - if the next dance is getting closer and closer on the calendar - she will dump the one that went with her to the last dance, and go with the one that is making the most strident pitch to go with her to the next one.
That is justthe way she is.
Rich Deveney, Mississauga, Canada
Let us not confuse the nations governments with the nations people. 'We', the people of these nations, have extremely similiar interests. We love to travel to eachothers countries, and bask in all they have to offer. All we want is to enjoy life, feel secure, love, smile, hope, and care.
Gerry , Boise, Idaho, U.S.A
England is the one nation in the world that I would go fight for.
Chuck, Philadelphia, USA
I don't think Mr Sarkozy is being underhanded in his gesture to strengthen ties with us. I believe he knows that many Americans would fight and die to protect and aide our friends in the world. Have you noticed that in our weaknened state he has reached out a hand of friendship rather than mock?
Erik V, Ogden, USA
France is America's new best friend? Complete non-sense!
Who is fighting and dying alongside Americans right now in Iraq and Afghanistan? Who has stood side-by-side with us throughout this horrible Bush Presidency? THE BRITISH. Not the damn French. Sarko is just using his French charm to fool us.
Haile, Cleveland, USA
President Bush should get credit where credit is due. He is actively trying to repair damaged relationships and help keep alliances strong for the next President. This will indeed make a President Obama or a President Mccain's job far easier This is to be commended, regardless of past disagreements.
Mike, Wilmington, NC, USA
I am of the opinion that we must never forget who we are and how tangled and woven are our lives. Some in my country (the US) would like to cease globalization and retreat into an eggshell, but I say that we must preserve our relations with all nations seeking to improve the lot here on the earth.
Greg, Maryville, USA
History will record George W. Bush as the right president at the right time. How many believed on 9/12/2001 that we wouldn't get hit again even harder? Against all those who hate the US both internally and externally, GW has done his constitutional job well of keeping the US safe. Good job GW
Gary, Oklahoma City, USA
Sometimes it really is refreshing to hear a leader just act from his heart without pandering and thinking twice about whatever he does like Brown. Sarko may not be the most popular in his native country, but we do love him in the States.
John, Boston, USA
France and England will always be our natural moral and cultural allies. The US and France have periodically suffered from fickle leadership on both sides but the bonds run much deeper than that.
Alex , Chicago, USA
It was not just French (and Spanish) help in your War of independence, there was also the British equivalent of the Vietnam anti-war movement, complete with draft dodgers and protests; for many in the UK, fighting their "cousins" across the Atlantic was the wrong war against the wrong enemy.
Leonard Colquhoun, Launceston, Tasmania, Australia
Shouldn't the headline read, "Sarkozy's New Best Friend"? My French friends assure me that the majority of French people don't go along with this so-called friendship.
Neil, Gloucestershire, England
Nice race and place, but remember the words of Wellington. 'Don't trust the French'! They don't even like each other!
Chris, London,
Good grief. Get a grip. Nations do not have friends, they have interests. This love fest will evaporate the minute US and French interests diverge. Even this hype is too much. Anybody notice in this article who sent more aid to Afghanistan? Diplomacy is not governed by school girl crushes.
James Geoffrey, Falls Church, Virginia, USA
France?
The same country you called cowards when they wouldn't invade Iraq? French Fries become Freedom fries? Thank you, America, now they can hug your coattails not us.
Are you that short of friends now?
Just remember, France is like a woman, Fickle.
Howard, Basildon, England
God bless the French.
Its likely, that without the French help during our revolutionary war, that this country wouldn't exist.
Likewise, France has been saved by the US...
For all the flack Bush gets, he may only be a slightly worse then average president....
Taylor Jennings, Davis, United States
The article is accurate about the French assistance during the American Revolution. It was largely negotiated by Ben Franklin. France provided support for our revolution and we were obligated to assist France if war broke out with Great Britain. Without the French in Yorktown, we never would be USA.
Erik V, Ogden, USA
Our special relationship with the UK remains as stong as ever. What we're seeing here is the mending of fences. Sarko is a smart man who understands how critical the US/Europe relationship is to world stability. As for Dubya, well, I think he just like having a friend.
MJC, Sacramento, CA, USA
For the Bush bashers....It's Bush that is getting this done. Last time I looked it was George Bush's back they were slapping and George Bush's hand they were shaking.
Give credit where credit is due....whether you like it or not...!
Don , Edmonds, WA, USA
I would tend to wonder if a revitalized US / Euro relationship can work together quickly enough to effectively deal with Iran. If not, I would suspect that the main axis of world power would shift to the far east (China) for a season.
Joseph, Oakland, USA
America has in Britain a brother and in France a sister. Both is better than one; sometimes one is better than none -- although some Americans might think occasionally none is better than either.
David Masu, Zürich,
Best friends? I think France is simply being opportunistic and buying up whatever it can in the U.S. right now because of the weakened dollar. I'm not sure I'd call that "friendship".
PragueBob, Prague, Czech Republic
I love France. There, I said it. Lived in the UK for three years and great to greatly respect and admire the British people. But the trips to France were really special. Thank you to both our French and British allies for your support. We Americans do truly appreciat it!
jpate, austin, usa
The Brits have been, are and will always be America's closest ally. It is not what a country says (lately) it is what they do. France is talk - the UK is action.
Hotspur, Atlanta, USA
I'm not sure why so many people believe Americans look down on other nations as if we're "Big Brother", but we see Britain as a great friend, ally and it's safe to say we admire them. Now that Mr Chirac is out of the way, we can build that bridge again with France, which I'm excited about.
Erik V, Ogden, USA
Our alliance and friendship with the UK is intrinsic to our national identity and our history, while our relations with France have always been precarious and furtive, like some kind of bad romance. This won't change, but it's nice to see that we'd be missed by at least some Brits.
Matt, Chicago, IL, USA
It's legacy time boys and girls and here's what we're gonna do - we're gonna make a list of everybody we're said mean things to and then we're gonna go knock on their door, give them a big hug and say we're sorry.
haralambos, johannesburg, south africa
In 1991 I was in Chad in the US Peace Corp's. It was France's 130's that came in and Evacuated all ofthe US Embassy staff and Peace corp Volunteers when the Coup started. France evacuated us 3 times in 2 years. The USA sure didnt. Viva la France!
Robert, malibu, USA
For France highs you left out 1917, "Lafayette, we are here," spoken by an American soldier arriving in Europe on the side of France in WW I." Lafayette had fought with the U.S. in the revolutionary war in the 1770s.
Rodger Lodger, New York NY, USA
I have always thought of the Aussies as our greatest ally
Kevin Perkins, san antonio, USA
How much is this re-warmed "friendship" going to cost U.S. taxpayers this time around? I'm tired of my tax money going overseas to pay for the U.S. to be "friends" with other nations. France needs to pay for its own national infrastructure to be rebuilt. The U.S. isn't Europe's personal piggy-bank.
Ron, Riverton, Wyoming, USA
RE: 1776 France secretly aids the Americans in their War of Independence
I never thought it was secret, always in the open as far as I knew
Mark Milner, Leawood, Kansas, USA
Britiain is the US's mother country and France was our first ally. France followed our revolution with its own (with very different results), also energized by the writings of Thomas Paine. The Treaty of Paris ending the war of independence also guaranteed UK acceptence of America and future ally.
Ed, New York, USA
Hopefully a strengthened US-France relationship will lead to the easing of fears of nuclear power here in the US, and building more reactors.
Matt, Saint Paul, MN
Sarkozy is smart enough to understand that France is irrelevant without a positive relationship with America. The rest of Europe would do well to consider that.
Cyrus, Saint Paul, USA/MN
As a Brit I find this article a bit embarrassing. It makes us sound like the star's sidekick who just got rejected for his brother. I mean really strong relationships between America and Europe built on more than the current administrations are positive whether you are an American, Brit or French.
DW, Beijing, China
Unfortunately, this is only a temporary condition. There will quickly be friction again, most likely very early in the next administration's tenure, involving some very petty grievances, both real and imagined.
Robert, Katy, U.S.
Can something please be said about America's friendship with the Chieftain of a cannibal nation?
I am sick and tired of this stupid Euro-centrism!
Tom Roberts, Los Angeles, USA
I never saw the rationale behind "freedom fries" and "freedpm toast" renamings of French fries and French toast. I never saw the point to dumping good french wine and cheese to protest the French rational decision to not join us in bush's stupid foray into Iraq. French food kicks butt over American.
Jack, plattsburgh, USA
The Brits will always be our "mother country", Nothing will ever stand in the way of our relationship with them. It is good to see France and the US "warming" with their relations. We need strong allies in these uncertain times.
C. West, San Jose, CA, USA
Good article. What America needs from France today is their superiour fast trains technology. Our huge country lacks real modern passenger train servive. Amtrack is outdated. US Airlines are collapsing by the rising oil prices. Aide moi sil vo plait.
Thabet Swaiss, Oklahoma City, USA
Sarkozy has rekindled my faith in the French. He is a pillar of leadership and sound judgement. I drink to you--vivent le président
Tom, Seattle, USA
Good riddance to the Bliar Dubya alliance.
Bill Peter, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
I hope that most Brits will be pleased that the US and France are getting along well again. The West faces a lot of challenges in the fields of energy independence and environmental protection - we need to work in concert, not squabble among ourselves.
Tom, Chicago, USA
Are we so immature that we have to go through this routine every a politician says something or goes somewhere. No wonder they disappoint; they are pandering to insecure, over sensitive churlish children. France and Britain should be the closest of friends - the serious challenges are elsewhere!
david lee, new york, usa
I, like many Americans applaude the thaw with the U.S. The E.U. seems to be moving a bit to the right . I wonder if this has to do with a rise in tensions with the Muslim communities in Europe. Riots in Paris, training camp in Scotland, fear in Denmark,Van Gogh murdered in Holland. Cause and effect?
JAMES J. BENOIT, EL PASO,TEXAS, U.S.A.
It's unfortunate to see articles like this ranking our foreign friends. We may argue, but friends in both countries have great appreciation for the US, even if we disagree on policy.
Also, French special services & intelligence are some of the best in the world. Be glad they're our allies.
Rob, Milwaukee, USA
The children of the Gauls will never be the long-term friends of the children of the Anglo-Saxons. They are very different peoples. It's not that I don't think a world where people get along with one another is a better world, it's just the reality of European tribalism.
Neil, Los Angeles, USA
my associates, my allies .. some of those who are forgotten .. are 100% responsible for this
viva la France
- via - WWW -
Allan, Hawaii, USA
I recently spoke with a company IT executive on his companies expansion into the U.K, Germany and Spain and ask why not France? His comment with a smile, is they only do cheese and whine.
William Crawford, Austin, USA
The ability of a country to defend itself says something of its character when times get tough and sadly, when I think of France's military, their souffle comes to mind. It is nice to have a new friend, but it is hard to beat the Brits, especially when it comes to their sense of humor.
Jay Follansbee, Johnstown, PA/USA
Its great that France and the US are becoming closer. I don't think it is fair or prudent to diminish our intimate relationship with Britain, rather it is a sign that we are repairing friendships beyond the UK. Finally, the US is bridging the gaps between our long lost friends across the pond.
Ross odwin, Los Angeles, CA, USA
If its Bush on the phone I'm pretty sure the Brits will let it go to voice mail.
jay, Herndon, USA
Can't the United States be friends with both the UK and France? We Americans love the British and the French equally, and place no significant attachment on pecking order. After all -- and above all -- America is first in our hearts.
phil, New York, NY, USA
Its nice that france has decided to be a serious country again....but how long can that last. Brits are the bedrock relationship of the US foreign policy and rightfully so. Remember we appreciate you even when you don't return the favor.
Ken, morristown, NJ
Half of France's ships, half of her planes - even the most modern ones - and half of her tanks are unfit for service. France has no heavy lift planes.
France may be the US' new friend, but the next time the US needs support it will be the phone number of the UK, not of "Europe" they will call.
jon livesey, Sunnyvale, CA/USA
"Is France America's new best friend?"
Yes, and this credible news link will explain why:
http://www.ajn.com.au/news/news.asp?pgID=3162
(The Australian News)
jayil, london, uk