Slate's Chris Suellentrop thinks France will eventually join the coalition:
History is at the core of the tensions between France and America. Donald Rumsfeld's comment last week about "old Europe" was telling: Americans see France as akin to Portugal, a once-great power now in decline. But as part of its own "special relationship" with the United States, France refuses to cede the world stage to the Americans. French identity is similar to American identity—France sees itself as a great nation worthy of power, the birthplace of democracy, and a culture and system of government that the world would be wise to emulate.
Which is why, in the end, France will go along with the Bush administration on Iraq. If France vetoes a Security Council resolution, and the Bush administration goes to war anyway, France will have been proved powerless. But if it accedes to the war after demanding more evidence, it will be able to claim that it influenced American policy—whether it's true or not.
For the same reason, the UN Security Council may grant a formal blessing, even though Resolution 1441 already gives us all we need. No one wants to be left out of the parade, and everyone wants to claim credit.
There's also significant ass-covering involved in the shouting, in case anything goes horribly wrong.
Which is why, in the end, France will go along with the Bush administration on Iraq.
The difference between us and them. If it was Paris that had been attacked, we would be on their side. Immediately. Not eventually.
They may WANT to join the coalition but, based on their demonstrated uselessness and treasonous ways, I strongly suggest we tell them to sod off if they do.
Of course the French will come on board...none of the Iraqi tanks are named Panther or Tiger.
After the fiasco in Afganistan, when the french refused orders for air support during a battle, I don't want them anywhere near coalition forces.
Agree with Misha and Diane...yes, they'll eventually come along, and we should say "sorry, this bus is full."
But don't be surprised if they do a Russian-like, lets-take-the-airport, Kosovo move.
"France sees itself... the birthplace of democracy..."
What the? This is the second time I've seen this stated recently. They didn't invent it. They didn't even re-invent it, so where did they get this delusion?
