IS SARKOZY THE REAL DEAL? Is he really an ally of the US. For that matter, is he really a friend of Israel? Nidra Poller thinks he is. She writes about French President Nicolas Sarkozy's opening address to the French diplomatic corps. For one thing, Sarkozy said that bombing Iran might be the only alternative to a nuclear Iran. For another:

Repeatedly referring to the imminent danger of a clash between Islam and the West, President Sarkozy confirms his “…reputation as a friend of Israel; and it is true. I will never compromise Israel’s security.” But, he continues, Mahmud Abbas and many other Arab leaders who have visited Paris since his election trust in his respect and friendship for their populations. One might expect him to go on from there with the usual demand for Israeli concessions to soothe Palestinian humiliation, suffering, and frustration, and remove the thorn from the side of the Middle East… He doesn’t. Though reaffirming his belief in the two-state solution via the Road Map, he shifts the focus from vague peace wishes to a dire warning: If the international community accepts the fait accompli of a Hamastan in Gaza, it will be the first step in an Islamist takeover of the Palestinian territories. Sarkozy, like other Western leaders, calls for the reconstruction of the Palestinian Authority under the leadership of Abbas.

As usual, we are going to have to wait and see if Sarkozy is consistent and whether his actions confirm or belie his words.

We are used to 'wait and see'--maybe this time there is something worthwhile waiting for.

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