"A Tale of Two Cities" by Charles Dickens, set in revolutionary France, begins with the observation that it was the best of times and the worst of times. So might it be said, thanks in no small measure to France, of the tale of two cities of contemporary times, namely Washington and New York, the political capitals of the United States and the world, respectively.
It was not supposed to be so.
Back in September, having apparently decided to make war on Iraq to force out Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, dead or alive, Washington sought the United Nations' blessing for its military action. The message was clear and blunt: We will wage war, with or without your approval; if you are not with us, you will become irrelevant.