It's about time...

[cstaylor]

The Pantalon rouge are linking arms with the Hun:
Chirac, Schroeder OK Stronger Defense

The leaders of France, Germany, Belgium and Luxembourg agreed Tuesday to boost their military cooperation, aiming to make Europe's defense less dependent on the United States.

I'm not so sure about that analysis. I agree with Schroeder:

"This is not directed against NATO,'' German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder said. ``It's a reinforcement of NATO, because it will strengthen the European pillar.''

I think this is the beginning of a permanent military force defending EU interests

[DJEB]

The Pantalon rouge are linking arms with the Hun:
Chirac, Schroeder OK Stronger Defense

The leaders of France, Germany, Belgium and Luxembourg agreed Tuesday to boost their military cooperation, aiming to make Europe's defense less dependent on the United States.

Uh oh. The NSC ain't gonna like this. This goes directly against the National Security Strategy released by the Bush Admin.

[cstaylor]

Nah.... I'm pretty sure they're just pooling resources... I highly doubt the German people would support increased military spending when unemployment is already too high.

[DJEB]

Nah.... I'm pretty sure they're just pooling resources... I highly doubt the German people would support increased military spending when unemployment is already too high.

You're probably right - I don't know German public opinion, but I'm sure it's safe to assume you are correct. (Although military development would be a Keynesian stimulus...) What I'm saying, though, is that this is the sort of thing that was said must not be tolerated in Bush's Nation Security Strategy. I think the question is how far can they procede along this strategy before they are perceived to be a threat according to this doctrine? As Rob Pongi (my new hero) might say, "Who knows that?"

[cstaylor]

As Rob Pongi (my new hero) might say, "Who knows that?"

[DJEB]

As Rob Pongi (my new hero) might say, "Who knows that?"

That's right! Move over Noam Chomsky!

[cstaylor]

I hear Rob is always looking for camera jockeys to help him out on his nightly raids into Roppongi.

[DJEB]

[quote="cstaylor"]I hear Rob is always looking for camera jockeys to help him out on his nightly raids into Roppongi. ]

I'd love (sincerely) to help him out if I was so 1) busy, 2) lazy, 3) pre-occupied with another HUGE project that is going to take progressively more and more of my time. But if I find myself with some time, I'll happily donate it to him.