Mutual fears draw France, U.S. nearer

At the root of a U.S.-French reconciliation are several factors, from concerns over a Haitian migration crisis to frustrations with the three-year political crisis.

BY JOE RAY

Special to The Herald


PARIS - Just a year after Washington and Paris were so at odds over Iraq that some Americans changed the name of French fries to ''freedom fries,'' the turmoil in Haiti is bringing the two nations closer together.

The deployment of U.S. and French peacekeeping troops to Haiti is continuing in what French Foreign Minister Dominique de Villepin has called ''perfect coordination.'' And President Bush called French President Jacques Chirac ``to thank France for its action.''

At the root of the transatlantic reconciliation are several factors, from French concerns over a Haitian migration crisis to its frustrations with the three-year political crisis in Haiti, its former colony.

more: http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/8188414.htm

Wrote about Paul Greenberg today (for the website --> http://politicalcomment.blogspot.com ), who is reacting to a comment Kerry made last week. Kerry said "I've met foreign leaders who can't go out and say this publicly but, boy, they look at you and say, 'You gotta win this, you gotta beat this guy, we need a new policy,' things like that."

So naturally Greenberg flew off into a full throated attack on France today (much like Tony Blankley last week) as cowards and ne'er do wells who shouldn't tell us what to do.

Bryant

since the beginning, that is what finally brought them together on this one. No real break in the ice, I think.

What bought the French closer on Haiti was the 21 billion dollars Aristide got in a "reparations for slavery" lawsuit against France. France didn't want to pay so they helped get rid of him. Also if we're so close now, why is France doing naval exercises with China a few days from now?

Was it a French court? Haitian? International?

I have not been able to find any proof of that.