More Progress

From Kim du Toit

March 12, 2008
8:12 AM CDT

Now that’s much better:

Nicolas Sarkozy wants to rebuild France’s frayed ties with Israel, notably by echoing its tough stance against Iran.

Peres’ five-day trip to Paris this week is the first state visit the French president has hosted since taking office 10 months ago — itself a potent message of support at a time of renewed Middle Eastern tensions.

And during a pomp-filled dinner Monday, Sarkozy lost no opportunity to assure Peres of his friendship, saying France will always work to ensure Israel’s survival.

“Not from time to time, Mr. President — always,” said Sarkozy. “And those who call in a scandalous, scandalous way for the destruction of Israel will always find France in front of them to block their route.”

France’s gushing display for Peres was a clear effort by Sarkozy to get past often-turbulent ties during President Jacques Chirac’s tenure.

If by ”often-turbulent” you mean a nakedly-Arabist, pro-terrorist official attitude, epitomized by the Frog diplomat who referred to Israel publicly as “that shitty little country”.

Of course, Sarkozy’s attitude is going to cause the immigrant Arabs of France to boil and seethe—but, in the paaphrased words of the great man, screw ‘em. He’s not going to get their votes anyway.

And to paraphrase another great man’s words, ever so slightly: Israel is not what’s wrong with the world. It’s not even what’s wrong with the Middle East, despite all the efforts of the murderous totalitarian Middle East leaders to make us think so.

Nuff said, thanks Kim!