France Re-Discovers NATO
Stefan Simons, Der Spiegel | March 13, 2009
After 43 years of abstinence France is returning to NATO. ++ President Sarkozy decided that France should “reintegrat[e] into all structures of the Atlantic alliance.” ++ The move brings France closer to the US and undoes de Gaulle’s refusal “to allow the French armed forces to submit to US command,” stirring criticism from both “old-guard Gaullists” and from the conservative party. ++ Sarkozy’s decision brings France closer to Germany and despite expectations for domestic criticism, 58% of the French public agree with the President’s position.
