Ghost of a flea: Conquistador

? Elena Gibson dances the Bolero | Main | From beyond ?

November 08, 2007

Conquistador

It is a peculiar day when Power Line gushes over anybody, let alone a French President. "Nicolas Sarkozy at the French embassy in Washington. Sarkozy looks even better in person than on television. In addition to leading-man good looks, he’s charismatic and energetic. ...", etc. etc.*

M. Sarkozy goes to Washington.

"I came to Washington with a very simple message. I want to reconquer America's heart," he said during a toast to Mr Bush. "I have come to tell you one thing - that is that France and the United States are friends, we are allies, always and forever." ...

"French and American troops are helping to defend a young democracy in Afghanistan. Our two nations support the democratic government of Lebanon," he said. "We agree that reconciliation and democracy in Iraq are vital to the future of the Middle East and our two nations condemn violations of human rights in Darfur, in Burma and around the world."

Here are some details of French overseas military operations - so called "peacekeeping operations" - courtesy of the French embassy to Canada. Tangentially related but quite interesting is this Global Security list of world wide military deployments. I am not certain how recently it has been updated. For example, I believe the United States military presence in Iceland has been withdrawn.

* I have been holding on to this NYPD picture for a special occasion myself.

Update: A video of President Sarkozy's speech (via Instapundit).

Posted by Ghost of a flea at November 8, 2007 06:57 AM

Comments

i STILL say he reminds me too much of kevin mcdonald imitating Jacques Clouseau for me to take him seriously:

http://www.intensebeige.com/gp/ronald.jpg

Posted by: Gorthos at November 8, 2007 09:11 PM

My first thought on seeing the above photo was, "Man, Sylvester Stallone looks like hell."

Posted by: dorkafork at November 9, 2007 01:06 AM