France is pandering on an unforseen level. I think deep down they believe this is exempting them from the terror seen by the U.S., Spain, Netherlands and Russia.

At best, they're probably only buying time. And the cost will be too high.

France is pandering for more than just being free of terror. They are trying to align themselves with the powers that be (and might be) for continued access to oil.

Imagine Frances potential rise to prominance in Europe if other nations (ie UK) had an oil embargo placed against them.

If that is "courage," I pray all our children grow up to be "cowards." Feh.

France rolls over and spreads her cheeks once again...

I much prefer Australian PM Howard's assessment of Arafat.

I agree that France is trying to go for the oil, but probably pander to the very large Muslim population within France.

I love the fact that Arafat is more popular there than Bush.

It's just so nakedly French of them.

I could make a comment about what would the French know about courage anyway, but I won't.

:::sigh:::

Just finished my Veterans Day post ... I relate a bit about my great uncle, Ray Aseltine, who was a Marine in WWI fighting in France.

I'm beginning to think -- What a waste of time that was.

What is bothering me is the coverage of it. They are covering him much like they would the death of a great statesman, when in fact Arafat was nothing more than a murderer. I can't help but wonder what the families of the Israeli athletes and other victims of Arafats suicide bombers must be thinking of this coverage, especially the wonderful words from Chirac.

Why do I keep getting the impression France is the global hub for international crime? When DeGaulle returned we presumed the Vichy government ended. Maybe we were wrong about that.

Will Ted Bundy or Jeffrey Dahmer get this kind of respect when they die? (I suppose that Mumia guy will.) Arafat doesn't deserve any respect from world leaders at his funeral. He's just a common mass murderer.

I can actually agree with the first quoted sentence. It was with emotion that I learnt of the pig-head's death as well. Just not the same emotion as Chirac.

So, what does that say about Jimmy Carter then, calling him a "great symbol of humanity," or something similarly hagiographic?

Draw your own conclusions.

Sincere condolences from the French government. Yeah, that and a dollar will get you a cup of coffee.
Carter will probably speak at the funeral, reminding us all of why he is such an ex-president.

And all you need to know about the difference between civilizations is to compare the burial of Ronald Reagan and Arafat's circus burial.

I can't wait till they name a Highway For Hitler.

Probably tomorrow.