[SOC] France and USA

[Paul Bartlett]

Hmmmm,

Don't agree Ian. My reading of the various reports was that it was the
French stance that the veto would be applied no matter what that effectively
stifled debate and sidelined the UN. It's probable that this actually
accelerated military intervention.

I include a recent piece of private correspondence which refers to the
godawful cockup resulting in the Americans shooting Iraqi policemen.

Paul

----------------------8<----------------------

B'jour Claude,

The difference as I see it is that these incidents are as the result of
mistake rather than malice. It makes little difference to the victims of
course.

My view, also expressed elsewhere, is that we were right to go into Iraq but
are doing a damned good job at screwing up the peace. The Yanks,
particularly, don't seem to have a handle on it and weren't prepared for the
aftermath. The Brits are doing a bit better down South with their experience
in Northern Ireland and Kosovo.

According to a poll reported in today's Telegraph 70% of Iraqis approve of
the toppling of Hussein's regime and are optimistic for the future.

I hope they're right.

Best,

Paul :-)


----------------------8<----------------------

>
> I can remember the tasteless jokes re surrender etc.
>

These were distasteful.

> Isn't it time someone apologised?
>
> Especially since the French and others have since been proven
comprehensively
> right.

Disagree.