Powell Says France will Face Consequences for Stannding up to the US

[Ted Striker]

MR. ROSE: All right. At that time, though, there was great goodwill for the United States. The Iraqi war put some problems in certain relations. You've described the French as a relationship like a marriage of 225 years, and it's now seeking marriage counseling.

Will there be any consequences for the French because they were a difficult force for you diplomatically? I mean their Foreign Minister was in Africa trying to get people to vote against the second resolution. Even now, with respect to the United Nations, they're saying the United Nations has to play a leading role, a central role, not the words you use, vital role.

SECRETARY POWELL: It was a very difficult period as we went through that second resolution vote. And we didn't believe that France was playing a helpful role. There's no secret about that. And while my colleague Dominique DeVillepin was in Africa visiting three African countries to get their votes, I was on the phone before he landed at each stop.

MR. ROSE: Saying what? Close the airport?

SECRETARY POWELL: Making sure that he did not get three African votes. And we won't, I won't go any further other than to say it was a fascinating diplomatic experience. But now it's over and we have to take a look at the relationship. We have to look at all aspects of our relationship with France in light of this --

MR. ROSE: Okay, but I've heard there will be consequences because they were tough for you. I mean everywhere you would turn after the vote on (inaudible) they weren't on your side and with you; they were against you, against the United States. Are there consequences for standing up to the United States like that?

SECRETARY POWELL: Yes.

Whoah! POWELL said this!!!

http://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2003/19816.htm

[Spiffor]

I think I am requested to say "YAY" or something ?

I am very sad that Powell, who seems to be the brightest element of this admin, accepted to play this stupid little game.

To me, it is clear Bush will try to play on anti-Fance sentiment for the next elections, and he has to take action to please the American voter.

There is nothing to gain, on the international arena, by punishing France. It can only further alienate it, and make it try to further build a European foreign policy opposed to the US.

Especially at a time when Chirac seems to have stopped his barking, it is very saddening to see Powell has fallen in this charade

[orange]

my respect for Powell has disappeared

[Chilean President™]

I heard in the news that Chile, Mexico and Germany will suffer "consequences" too.
In our case we are going to get a long delay in the sign of the Free Trade Agreement (as we care).

Is sad that Powell that was a moderate say this stuff, but I also heard from Ari Flescher that the White House wasn't going to start a witch hunting against the countries that didn't support the US to go to the war. Who knows which new internacional policie will the US follow.

[Imran Siddiqui]

Originally posted by orange
my respect for Powell has disappeared

Like he cares .

[Nubclear]

Right now, I'm ashamed to be an American.

[orange]

Like he cares .

he should. I'm a citizen.

[DinoDoc]

Originally posted by Spiffor
To me, it is clear Bush will try to play on anti-Fance sentiment for the next elections, and he has to take action to please the American voter.

You mean we're going to copy Schroeder!?!?

[Imran Siddiqui]

he should. I'm a citizen.

He's unelected and doesn't need the job anyway .

[orange]

i didn't say I could use my vote to get him out of office. Well, technically I could...but I mean he should care what citizens think.

[Spiffor]

Originally posted by DinoDoc
You mean we're going to copy Schroeder!?!?

Yes, and you'll manage to outstupid him. Schröder's stance was extremely anti-war, with anti-Americanism being a somehow hidden in the decor. Bush's stance (on this issue) will be Anti-French, with the most stinking elements of anti-Frenchism.
Now, I hope I'm wrong, and I hope Washington will be well advised enough to stop the stupidity and soothe the US-French relationship.

But I don't hold my breath : Bush will have trouble because of his poor economic performance, and will look for votes wherever he can find them. If anti-French resentment remains important next year, I'd wager it'll be widely used by Bush in his campaign.

[red_jon]

Originally posted by Imran Siddiqui

he should. I'm a citizen.

He's unelected and doesn't need the job anyway .

See, this is what's wrong with democracy...

[Lancer]

France damaged their relationship with the US with no good result. They will have to live with their actions now, with the boycott of French goods by individual Americans, and now with whatever Colin Powell has in mind.

Just as I see America hating leftists at home and abroad abandoning Powell, I see his support growing among conservatives. This is good, he'll need to move to the right in order to get the nomination and win in '04 to become the first black president of the US. What a long way to come for blacks in the last 150 years! Also, being a black republican president won't be lost on blacks who traditionally vote democrat and follow crooks like Jesse Jackson. I believe that many blacks would move to the right as the Powell presidency developes. Also, Powell won't forget his allies the ****ing French anytime soon.

It would be great if he chose Rice as his VP, but that's just too much to hope for.

Rice in '12!

[Frozzy]

Originally posted by Chilean President
I heard in the news that Chile, Mexico and Germany will suffer "consequences" too.
In our case we are going to get a long delay in the sign of the Free Trade Agreement (as we care).

Is sad that Powell that was a moderate say this stuff, but I also heard from Ari Flescher that the White House wasn't going to start a witch hunting against the countries that didn't support the US to go to the war. Who knows which new internacional policie will the US follow.

NZ stood up to the US nearly 20 years ago over nuclear weapons and we still can't get free trade. Looks like it'll be a while before you get free trade

[BeBMan]

Consequences , schmonsequences