And other ominous developments loomed: Putin's Russia ratcheted up its bullying of the EU, both its energy delivery blackmail and its posturing over missile defense... Numerous plans for reviving the EU had been broached in various quarters. Sarkozy seized on a few of these and combined them in a characteristically smooth package, which he proceeded to sell. The concept he put forward was a "smaller, leaner treaty." ...In short order, the "small treaty" was approved. The only puzzle was how such a modest, reasonable compromise could have eluded the EU for so long... Last weekend, the Socialist old guard--affectionately known as "the elephants"--circled the wagons around Hollande and started to isolate Royal within the party. Royal, however, who won 47 percent of the vote, thinks she has what amounts to a popular mandate. She will fight back. This is very bad news for the left, which may collapse in the process--and very good news for the amiable Sarkozy.Thanks Cincinna. I think we'll see things calm down for a short while, then get very, very nasty in Europe -- and that's assuming that the current terrorist offensive doesn't spread.
That’s a big assumption, SC. WE can all prsay that this terrorism is limited to the horrific attempts in the UK, but given the nature of the attacks, and the level of people involved, it is highly likely they will strike again.