Thanks for the answer Cicero. You know...You are one of the FReepers I really have appreciated gaining insights from. This site is in my mind unparalelled in gaining knowledge about current events.
Du, however, is full of all the crazy conspiracy theories that fit these enemy's of western civilication worldview.
Bush is in cahoots with the royal family in Saudi in a secrect plot with the Italian mobsters bla bla bla....
I think we should be careful before we approach FReerepublic, which is a truly inspirational website for conservatives everywhere, in the same way. Personally I don't buy your theory. Chirac is a typical French conceited vain idiot, but a secret deal about EU membership... Well, if you have any indications or proof....I guess what I am trying to say is that I have no problems with people stating their hunches. I believe that the "gut feeling" is more often right than wrong. But, when stating a charge a serious as you did, you should make sure to indicate that it is just a hunch....
Anyways, I just came home from a round at the bars, so I appologize beforehand if I said anything inappropriate.
Have a great weekend Cicero.
Thanks again for answering,
Euro.
I thought I had indicated that it was a hunch, but maybe I should have been clearer. Chirac's corrupt interests have been fairly thoroughly documented--his long-term relationship with Saddam, his visit to give Saddam the nuclear reactor, his connections with UN Oil-for-food, and his connections with Total-Fina-Elf.
It's obvious, too, that he was (at least until a couple of weeks ago) the key player when it came to admitting new countries to the EU.
What hasn't been shown is that he offered the Generals EU membership in return for their stringing us along on the Iraqi northern front. It's a logical deduction, and quite in character with the way he operates, but I haven't seen any direct evidence.
No offense. I agree that such things should be stated clearly.