U.S. Officials Consider Ways to Punish France

The French reacted “brusquely” to recent discussions of consequences for its behavior throughout the Iraq crisis. Countering US Secretary of Defense Colin Powell’s remarks that France would suffer consequences for its opposition in the UN Security Council, French officials stated that they will continue in their commitment to defend international law. Despite this apparent rift, US President Bush has reiterated his support for the continuation of the US-French alliance. While it is uncertain whether the core alliance between the two great powers is in any real danger, a policy of “revenge and retaliation” could pose a serious threat. – YaleGlobal