Oh, that's French for, "Incredibly Stupid Statement No. 3."
It seems that French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner believes that the administration of George W. Bush and the Iraq War have damaged the United States' international reputation beyond repair.
"It will never be as it was before ... I think the magic is over," Kouchner said, in comments IHT reporter Alison Smale sternly reminded us comprised "a sober assessment from one of the strongest supporters in France of the United States."
(Sidebar: This story could make the ISS list either for Kouchner's comment or for the annoyingly condescending foreign affairs analysis Smale feels compelled to give: A "sober assessment?" By whose estimation? Oh, that's right: Hers.)The magic is over?
The entire reason why international sentiment is stirred up about Iraq is because America still matters, America still sets the pace on the world stage. Many people have made comparisons between Iraq and Vietnam. But even after a divisive war like Vietnam, America was able to preserve its role as the world's foremost superpower, and in so much more than a military sense.
The magic is over?
I envisioned Kouchner assuming the role of Mickey Mouse in the Disney classic, Fantasia. I had this picture in my head of him with that hat on and that wand in his hand, appointing himself the master of all things mystical and mysterious.
And international pundits wonder why we have trouble taking the French seriously.
If you crave more tutelage from Ms. Smale, you can read the rest of the article here.
