France Re-ups in Afghanistan

From Becky: After a couple of weeks of questioning America's role in Afghanistan, another of the coalition countries is following suit. France* will debate the merits and conditions of keeping (or even sending reinforcements) to the troops already stationed in the former Russian territory. Now, I know the typical American response to anything French -- it was only a matter of time until they surrendered -- but get this: President Nicholas Sarkozy is taking a rather Bush Doctrine-like approach to the situation. M. Sarkozy wishes to increase troop levels because "we don't have the choice to let the savages win . . . For a defeat on the other side of the world equals a defeat on French soil." ("Nous n'avons pas le droit de laisser triompher les barbares. . . . Car la défaite à l'autre bout du monde se paiera d'une défaite sur le territoire de la République française." Self-translated.) Sounds like some of the Bush administration's justifications, just in a prettier language.

France even wants to lift the current European troop restrictions in Afghanistan to aid in the U.S.'s effort, which would allow more European countries to add their forces to the mix. Austrailia has criticized Europe in the past for arming down in favor of NATO defense, but this could be a whole new ballgame.

Similar to the debate we're having in America, the French government seems to lean towards funding a war which the French people don't want. According to a poll for Orange et L'Express, a French newspaper, 62% of the public opposes keeping troops in Afghanistan. They want a true debate over everyone's role in Afghanistan, whether it be a larger Afghan role in their own politics, other countries' contributions, a timetable of objectives, or clarification with Pakistan. They're allowed their own debate, just as we're allowing ours-- without charges of "unpatriotic" and "weak," but with rationality and true discourse.