PARIS -- "Forgive the Russians, ignore the Germans, punish the French." U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice didn't appreciate being reminded of this famous statement, which she made in 2003 while serving as U.S. President George W. Bush's national security adviser. The purpose of Rice's recent visit to Europe, and that of Bush a few days later, was to end the trans-Atlantic quarrels ignited by the Iraq War and restore a climate of confidence between Washington and its European allies.
It would be an exaggeration to say that, as a result, a trans-Atlantic "partnership" will be fully achieved and operate harmoniously. Still, the climate has greatly improved.
Considering that an overwhelming majority of Europeans would have preferred to see Sen. John Kerry win the 2004 battle for the White House, few would have bet trans-Atlantic ties could improve this much so quickly. The turnabout can be attributed to several factors.