France Wants Quicker Shift of Power in Iraq

Washington Post ^ | 11/14/03 | Keith B. Richburg

[Pokey78]

Minister Faults Length of U.S. Timetable

PARIS, Nov. 13 -- The foreign minister of France, which led opposition to the U.S. invasion of Iraq at the United Nations, said Thursday that the latest violence in Iraq showed that ending the U.S. occupation and transferring power to Iraqis quickly would be the best way to stem guerrilla attacks.

With the Bush administration now promoting an accelerated transfer of power, the American and French positions appear to be converging. But Foreign Minister Dominique de Villepin said the suggested timetable for a transfer was still too long and that more intensive consultations were needed with Washington before the two sides could mend their differences.

"By summer 2004 -- that is much too late," De Villepin said this morning in a radio interview. "How many deaths must we count before we realize that we must change the approach?"

[My2Cents]

We want a quicker shift of power in France.

[aynrandfreak]

I want France to go %#@& itself.

[My2Cents]

Seriously, I think the Bremer's quick trip to visit with Pres. Bush illustrates that the US is also in favor of as quick a transfer of power in Iraq as possible, but the main determinant of that will be how quickly the Iraqi leadership can get their act together.

The prospects for real democracy in Iraq have been, and remain "iffy." However, it's worth the effort. But if it fails, it will not be for lack of trying, nor for failing to heed the "advice" of the French. If it fails (God forbid), it will because of the failure of the Iraqis themselves to step up to the plate and take charge.

[Cicero]

Why should France have any say whatever about what happens in Iraq?

[dighton]

"By summer 2004 -- that is much too late," De Villepin said ...

"You'd never believe so much noise could come from a creature that small."

[Wolfhound777]

France,

Just STFU already! You are a third rate nation and your rantings are like annoying little gnats.

[spyone]

France wants France wants...who cares what the fools want.

[Billthedrill]

France Wants Quicker Shift of Power in Iraq

People In Hell Want Ice Water - News At Eleven

[I_love_weather]

Pardon my french but

F*** you France...our AMERICAN BOYS are losing their lives for the freedom of these people...we will stay AS LONG AS IT TAKES...and we will DO IT RIGHT!

What part of "we don't give a da*n" what you think didn't you get the first time around?

Now go back to your little..."country" of yours and SHUT UP

[Salvation]

If France wants it then that is a message not to do it.

[ARCADIA]

Dear France,

We fully appreciate the value of your opinion. We will let you know just as soon as we leave Iraq; that is, if you survive that long.

Respectfully,

The U.S.

[dighton]

btw is anybody in know of GWB's IQ?

Considerably higher than yours. Get lost.

[cookcounty]

tell 'em to prepare 17 UN resolutions, and then we'll think about it for 12 years, and then we'll tell 'em they need another resolution, but we're gonna veto it anyway.

[Dark Knight]

Interesting and slightly disjointed reply. He can pilot a jet so it is better than the average Joe's. He beat Gore in three debates, so it's probably higher in some ways than Gore's. He has an MBA so it is probably higher than Teddy "get my test taker" Kennedy. I believe someone posted a list the the Hollywood ne'er do wells so I will leave that off.

That being said, I think France has the right idea...for France. They would turn tail and run at the first sign of adversity, or surrender to the first water pistol. Hence they really believe that their way is the best way.

Then again, they killed 15,000 of their elderly and sick, to have a pleasant vacation.

DK

[CMAC51]

>> "By summer 2004 -- that is much too late," De Villepin said this morning in a radio interview. "How many deaths must we count before we realize that we must change the approach?" <<

Earth to De Villepin...We are fighting World War III in Iraq. If you don't want to join in, just shut up!

[Howlin]

We have to get Saddam.

[dighton]

We have to get Saddam.

Hello, Howlin.

If you sold insurance, would you write a policy on his life?

;-)

[squidly]

No sane person could believe that ending the U.S. occupation prior to summer '04 would bring any result but catastrophe.