How can anyone take France seriously anymore?

The Wall Street Journal described the situation like this:

"On Thursday, Jacques Chirac confirmed a Le Monde report that his government was prepared to offer only some 200 combat engineers (in addition to the 200 French troops already in Lebanon) to what is supposed to be the resolution's centerpiece: A 15,000-man U.N. force that will help the Lebanese army patrol their southern border and ensure that Hezbollah will no longer use the area as a staging ground for future attacks against Israel.

All of this after the French used the promise of a robust, French-led international force to get the U.S. and Israel to agree to a cease-fire and withdrawal.

Even less reassuring is the insistence by French Defense Minister Michele Alliot-Marie that her troops will remain in the lead only until February, after which, apparently, it's salaam and adieu."

Senator McCain spoke for many of us yesterday on Meet the Press:

"And I would like to express my deep concern that the French apparently are not going to inject the number of troops that would be necessary to lead this 15,000-person peacekeeping force. So far they're saying they would only about 200. It’s very disappointing."

I am not just disappointed. Frankly, I am angry.

France criticized Israel for defending itself. They said that a UN force should step in and stand between Israel and Hezbollah.

However, they are sending 200 troops. What countries will send the other 14,800?

Once again, France is a bad joke. Resolution 1701 is going down the same path as 1559.

By the way, did you hear this one? Have we not seen this movie before?

"Iran has turned away U.N. inspectors wanting to examine its underground nuclear site in an apparent violation of the Nonproliferation Treaty, diplomats and U.N. officials said Monday.

The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the confidentiality of the information, told The Associated Press that Iran's unprecedented refusal to allow access to the facility at Natanz could seriously hamper international efforts to ensure that Tehran is not trying to make nuclear weapons. (Assoc Press)

P.S. Today, there were two interesting articles about 2006 looking 1938.

First, Rich Lowry wrote You’ll Never Confuse George W. Bush for a Frenchman:

"Civilization simply lacks backbone without the United States in the lead".

Second, check out Mideast Echoes Of 1938 By Richard Cohen:

"This inability of Europe to get its act together is what suggests 1938. Back then, Churchill was hardly the only one who thought Hitler was intent on war. After all, the German leader was an ideological zealot -- and a murderer to boot."

Of course, we will soon hear a Democrat say that Bush does not listen to our allies.

Question: How can you listen to people who don't say anything? How can you pay attention to people who are not responsible?