Postcard from Paris: Ten Years Later, French Thoughts Still with America Posted by The Editors

This guest post is by Leah Pisar, who serves on the boards of the French-American Foundation and the National Security Network.

PARIS -- Yesterday, Nicolas Sarkozy put a small dent into French protocol and made a solemn visit to his neighbor, U.S. Ambassador Charles Rivkin, just a few doors down from the Elysée Palace, to take part in a commemoration of the September 11^th attacks. (It’s unusual for a head of state to visit an Embassy.) Visibly moved, the French President expressed his country’s solidarity and friendship at this time of difficult remembrance.

Ten years after the terrorist attacks that shook the world and rallied the international community around America, a renewed sense of support and compassion is tangible throughout Europe. Many leaders have expressed it. President Sarkozy’s words echoed those of his predecessor, Jacques Chirac -- the first foreign head of state to visit Ground Zero and the White House in the immediate wake of the attacks. We all remember the unwavering support that poured in from across the Atlantic: For the first time since its creation in 1949, NATO invoked article 5 – which states that an attack on one member of the alliance shall be deemed as an attack on all.  And France’s leading newspaper, Le Monde, famously headlined: “Today, we are all Americans.”

It was downhill from there. European allies were supportive of the war in Afghanistan, but a dangerous schism developed as Washington and its motley “coalition of the willing” prepared to go into Iraq. France did not offer its support, nor did Germany. Relations with America’s oldest ally soured terribly, leading to such silliness as turning “French fries” into “Freedom Fries”.  Things eventually fell back into place, as the Bush administration realized that America cannot go it alone and rekindled the dialogue.

Today, tensions over Iraq are all but forgotten and France is again on good terms with Washington, the NATO operation in Libya being heralded as an important multilateral success. At the same time, there is a sobering realization that the nature of the transatlantic relationship has changed since the end of the Cold War and even more so since 9/11. Europe is no longer the main theatre for international crises: They have moved elsewhere, out of area. With that in mind, there is a lingering concern that America no longer looks to Europe the way it used to, that it is focused elsewhere – on the Middle East, on Asia, on its own internal challenges.

But there is a need for Europe and America to work hand in hand to tackle these problems, together. The 9/11 commemorations, with a great sense of solemnity and and vigils planned throughout Europe, remind the Old Continent that we’re all in this together, be it geopolitically or economically. There is a very live sense of vulnerability. Over the last 10 years, European capitals have been hit by terrorism on a huge scale. And the pervasive feeling is, that unlike traditional commemorations, where one focuses on a past even, here we are commemorating a threat that is still live.

Ten years later, seen from Europe, the symbolism of 9/11 is strong and the memories are still fresh. The press seems almost exclusively focused on, even obsessed with, coverage of this morbid anniversary. And while there is some recalling of the Bush Administration’s mishandling of things and cavalier attitude toward international law, there is an overwhelming sense of sympathy and concern. 

This weekend, everyone is asking the same question: Where were you on 9/11?  It seems that everybody suffered some sort of trauma at the same time and that the West’s collective psyche was deeply affected. That Le Monde was right, and 10 years later, when thinking back to 9/11, many Europeans still feel that “today, we are all American.”

Image: Seattle P-I

Comments

[wholesale designer handbags]

your opinion is right! I support you! I will let my friends to read!

[luxury handbags]

good!thanks!

[research papers]

Amazing! Thanks for post.

[oms shoes]

whoah this blog is fantastic i love reading your articles. Keep up the good work! You know, many people are hunting around for this info, you can help them greatly.

[Hermes Handbags]

Yes!! I'm agree with you!! Thanks for your sharing and i will drop here if i have time!!

That's right!! Great opinion!! Thanks for your sharing!!

lhCRC4CK7N8Llh

[Cheap Moncler Jackets]

Yes!! I'm agree with you!! Thanks for your sharing and i will drop here if i have time!!

whoah this blog is fantastic i love reading your articles. Keep up the good work! You know, many people are hunting around for this info, you can help them greatly.
That's right!! Great opinion!! Thanks for your sharing!!

lhCRC4CK7N8Llh

[Canada goose parka]

I love canda goose !

[Cheap nfl jerseys]

I agree you.

[tablet]

thank you for your sharing

[UGG Classic Tall 5815]

I’ve just lately started a personal site, the data you posted on this site has helped me tremendously. I want to thank you for your entire time and work.

[Air Yeezy Sale]

The dude who has produced up his views to succeed will by no signifies say "impossible ".

[newbusiness1]

Cheap Hogan Scarpe Shoes Outlet Online Store

If you are looking for the ideal pair of sneakers made by italian designer, you come to the right place! Our Hogan Shoes Online Store offers original Hogan Shoes at discounted prices. When evaluating the style content and the overall quality,Hogan Hi-Top have no real competitor.

The particular ease and comfort that you will find inside Hogan Olympia Shoes, low-heeled smooth buckskin boot can bring an individual from the evening. A distressing boot will make every day unpleasant. And also shoes or boots usually tend to have an effect on every day, while they are usually together with you just about everywhere.An individual endure included, take a seat included, wander included. You could have to produce a display or even a presentation included. When they cannot sense excellent, you'll not sense excellent, and it's also achievable you will not necessarily excel together with whichever it really is you are carrying out. The particular Hogan Men Shoes can prove to be the favorite set of footwear within your cabinet.

[Cheap nfl jerseys]

I like all your article.

[ugg outlet]

Appreciation for your own the fantastic and instructional survey. Not well be verifying backside in numerous evenings for some a lot more changes.

[cheap nike high heels]

I like all your article.

[ghd cheap]

What comes to my mind when I think about Iranian expansion is Hezbollah, IRCS, support of terrorism, and a staunch opposing view towards America.

[best watches replica]

A pair of jeans, which promises a bum like Pippa Middleton's, has been launched and it is expected to fly off the shelves.

The makers of Great Bum Jeans promise that "even the saggiest behind" can be lifted and given a great shape due to the clever stitching technique of the jeans.

[nikemercurialvaporshoes]

asdhaskdagaskjdfcxjzga

[Asics Tiger]

The fox could possibly develop grey, but by no suggests good.

[Air Yeezy]

A novel is for the most part a mirror walking along a principal path .( Stendhcl , French writer )

[dell studio 17 akku]

I'm beginning to like your posts!

[ugg retro cargo]

Yes,I am happy to have found this blog, and more happy to have long tail explained so well.

[Classic tall ugg boots]

The article is worth reading, I like it very much. I will keep your new articles

[ugg retro cargo]

You certainly know how to get a girls attention! Im glad that youre here. I feel like Ive learned something new by being here.

[Cheap New ERA HATS]

thanks nice post,and thanks sharing!!!!

[UGG UK Sale]

Thank landlord impartiality. Come up with such a good article to share with us. This is the official information from articles I and my friends need. Thanks again! http://www.loveugg.co.uk

[cheap pandora bead]

I really enjoy your articles. Very well written. I look forward to reading more. Thanks for share with us. Take care!

[hery]

from here i know that democracy is from people to people by people

[skechers shape ups]

so nice your blog

[Mandy Lin]

Dear Sir/Madam,

Greeting from everydaysales.co.uk!

everydaysale.co.uk has identified your website as an ideal candidate for a potential collaboration with ours. As one of the UK's leading discount coupon providers we are interested to know if you would consider adding our website link to your website?

It’s totally hassle-free to add everydaysale.co.uk website link to your website. A one line introduction about us followed by the URL would be great. I hope this will be of value to you and looking forward to hearing from you. I will contact you again to gauge your views on this potential partnership later. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Yours sincerely,

Mandy Lin
Senior Marketing Consultant
Everydaysale.co.uk

p.s.: please reference your website URL within your reply!

[cheap ugg boots]

More of us would like cheapuggs-boots to wrte some blogs to express something like the happiness,the sprrow,the shadow,thesunshines also!It is a good way to tell us own oppinions.I agree with this way.And ugg classic cardy you？Live on the earth,we should learn to appriciate life we own now!Every time when I read the beatiful words,I feel a striking on my heart!How can we write so many article ?It is really a big kids uggs contribution for the socialty!

Every morning when I open my eyes,I stare at the roof so long to think more about myself,what juicy couture outlet do I want ,what do I need and how do I be like this,does it really I want,need or like.I guess I must do some change to make it different of the rest of my life,let ray ban outlet everyday become more significent!!!

Everyday when I was tired, I hermes bags outlet shop must do something to let myself feel rich.I do washing, do some exersice ,do some reading and anything if it can make me so substantial .I just want to say what I want is cole haan shoes canada only somebody can live along with me , waiting for somebody!

[coal crusher]

Yes,I am happy to have found this blog

[jordan xiii]

You clearly know what you are doing. It's good to see this information in your article.
jordan xiii

[Handbags]

Very nice to read such old posts! This topic, like the little that you can see, they feel accompaniVery nice to read such old posts! This topic, like the little that you can see, they feel accompanied us at the beginning.ed us at the beginning.

[Cheap Jordan]

Picture a planet devoid of cardstock earnings or credit rating cards. You've obtained your smartphone within your pocket, and that's it. Need to spend for something?

Walk up to the register, possess the clerk confirm you out, after which tap your cell to the entrance using the register. The register picks up some details in your phone, and you're instantly compensated for. No sliding card, no pulling out cash; just tapping your cell to the register.

All with this could be designed feasible many thanks to engineering acknowledged as near to area discussion (NFC) and yahoo and google Wallet. Today, yahoo and google Wallet grew to be obtainable to the public, and if you're all through the appropriate place, you can use it to spend for the stuff.

[Cheap Jordan]

Don't part with your illusions. When they are gone you may still exist, but you have ceased to live.
j

[Adidas Shoes]

Just because someone doesn't love you the way you want them to, doesn't mean they don't love you with all they have.
d

[idress]

イブニングドレスの落ち着いた色合いは、花嫁をシック＆モダンな雰囲気に演出してくれます。オールブラックのスタイリングが、スタイリッシュなタキシードに比べて、とても重くてくすんでいるように見える時、ホワイトアイテムを適切に入れる結婚式 服装だけでスタイリッシュになります。格調高きパープルは大人の花嫁に相応します。エレガントで華やかな印象をかもし出せる二次会 ドレスは大会場に映えるドラマティックな存在と言えます。

[best replica watches]

I was actually looking for this resource a few weeks back. Thanks for sharing with us your wisdom.This will absolutely going to help me in my projects.

[footballshirts]

Hello, I like your articles so much and read them all, please keep on writing and go to [url=http://www.thefootballshirts4u.com]cheap football shirts[/url] [url= http://www.soccerjerseyreplica.com/category-81-b0-Man+Utd.html]La ga fotball shirts [/url] [url= http://www.soccerjerseyreplica.com/goods-4542-Nike+2010+11+Manchester+United+away+black+blue+soccer+jersey.html [/url] and [url=http://www.thefootballshirts4u.com]cheap football shirts[/url] [url= http://www.soccerjerseywholesaler.com/category-66-b0-2010+FIFA+World+Cup.html [/url] [url= http://www.soccerjerseywholesaler.com/goods-4086-Adidas+2010+Spain+Home+Long+Sleeves+Soccer+Jerseys+Red.html [/url] and [url=http://www.thefootballshirts4u.com]cheap football shirts[/url] [url= http://www.thefootballshirts4u.com/category-288-b0-Spanish+La+Liga.html]La ga fotball shirts [/url] [url= hhttp://www.thefootballshirts4u.com/goods-6127-Adidas+10+11+Bayern+home+red+white+Football+Shirt+10+ROBBEN.html [/url]

[Jordan Max Fusion]

There is no denying the fact that air pollution is an extremely serious problem: the city authorities should take strong measures to deal with it.
qaw

[Nike Air Max]

We should never remember the benefits we have offered nor forget the favor received.
ftgu

[Air Yeezy For Sale]

It is not enough to do good; one must do it the right way. （John Morley, British statesman）

[vibram fivefingers flow]

Ich mag dieses Artikels, sind besonders gut.

[Internet Marketing Experts]

Nice Comment

[krish]

WOW! WONDERFUL ARTICLE...............

[nike dunk femme]

thanks for your good post.

[Raiders Jersey]

Thanks for giving me Knowledge about,In this article you have told about Brute Force SEO.

[hd film izle]

uses the latest processing technique, viz., N-SOFT. By processing the fabric with N-SOFT technique, the final product acquires two important characteristics which were hitherto not available in normal blankets, viz., MoistureSinyora Enrica ile İtalyan olmak full izle Wicking and Breathable properties. They are incredibly soft fabric. Get your and your loved ones be covered by these quilts wholesale.

With Transformers 3 Türkçe Dublaj izle
the aid of these properties, you get the comfortable, soft and light weight blankets.Babamın Penguenleri türkçe dublaj izle These offer the Comfort for your body. While providing comfort, they don’t compromise on the style and color. Hence, they add beauty to your bedroom.Hayat ağacı türkçe dublaj izle These very well make the Fashion Bedding.

[adasd]

adfasdf

[Ugg boots outlet]

I have read the whole story of this blog,after i read it i think its one of the best story on this site.Thanks for sharing this.

[Jets Jersey]

The article is very good, I like it very much.Here I learned a lot, then I will pay more attention to you.

[sesli]

Ten years later, seen from Europe, the symbolism of 9/11 is strong and the memories are still fresh. The press seems almost exclusively focused on, even obsessed with, coverage of this morbid anniversary. And while there is some recalling of the Bush Administration’s mishandling of things and cavalier attitude toward international law, there is an overwhelming sense of sympathy and concern.
seslichat seslisohbet güncel haberler fragman izle

[wholesale nfl jerseys]

No one can succeed without any hard work. Karl Max was successful, because he spent more than 30 years writing the book "Communist Manifesto"; Tomas Edison succeeded, because he had experimented thousands of times to find the best material for lights. Every success calls for hard work. If you want to suc-ceed, work hard first.zhongchengmaoyi110post

[Soccer Jerseys]

very happy to read your blog.Thank you for sharing this article.It is great!
Thanks for sharing this nice post.I will keep your article in my idea.

[gucci bags]

I have read the whole story of this blog,after i read it i think its one of the best story on this site.Thanks for sharing this.
gucci bags

[louis vuitton handbags on sale]

your opinion is right! I support you! I will let my friends to read!

[hermes handbags on sale]

I support you! I will let my friends to read!

[knockoff handbags]

Thank you very much for you perfect and useful post .it's really valuable

[uggs outlet online]

Thank you i m very gratitude to you for sharing this detestable post with us!

[Moncler France Boutique]

Even if you are the only one who wants to save your troubled marriage you can do it alone once you know what you need to do. So, relax, take a deep breath and let's get started with some things you can do to get started on saving a troubled marriage.

[dr dre beats headphones]

Obama, since his first day in office - has been actively trying to restore US engagement and influence in Asia, especially in Southeast Asia

[uggs outle]

I like you on facebook and follow through google reader!

[wedding party dresses]

I really liked reading your post!. Quallity content. With such a valuable blog i believe you deserve to be ranking even higher in the search engines :). Check out the link in my name cheap wedding dresses. That links to a tool that really helped me rank high in google. This way even more people can enjoy your posts wedding party dresses and nothing beats a big audiance ;)

[uggs outlet]

This is all very new to me and this article really opened my eyes.Thanks for sharing with us your wisdom.

[cheap snapbacks]

Wonderful journey and experience!