Free Republic

PARIS, Feb. 7 - Ask the French foreign minister, Michel Barnier, about France and the United States, and he replies that the anger and distrust that tarnished the relationship for the last three years are history. No matter that 18 months ago, when she was national security adviser, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice was widely quoted as having said the way to deal with the three main opponents of the American-led Iraq war was: "Forgive Russia. Ignore Germany. Punish France." [Ha!] The French have to coexist with President Bush for four more years, Ms. Rice is now America's top diplomat,...

Why Condoleezza Rice is the best black role model we've ever had Joseph Harker Saturday November 20, 2004 The Guardian OK, so she likes invading countries, killing thousands of innocent civilians, and imposing US-style capitalism across the globe. This modern-day Boudicca is probably the most evil woman the planet has seen since Margaret Thatcher. But, that aside, you have to admit it: Condoleezza Rice is one helluva lady. Even the US president himself looked terrified of her as he gave her a nervous, faltering peck on the cheek at the announcement of his new secretary of state. Condoleezza, aka the...

PARIS -- In Europe, it's hard for some to think of Condoleezza Rice -- Colin Powell's expected replacement as U.S. secretary of state -- without recalling the low points in trans-Atlantic relations that grew out of the war in Iraq. After all, it was Rice who raised eyebrows last year with her Machiavellian suggestions for how Washington should treat European opponents of the U.S.-led invasion. "Punish France, ignore Germany and forgive Russia," Rice was widely quoted as telling associates in the spring of 2003. Trans-Atlantic ties have since improved to some extent. But Rice's reputation still precedes her. "Condie Rice...