French FM Pulls A Kerry

In an amazing display of a deft diplomatic pirouette, the French Foreign Minister, Philippe Douste-Blazy, did a complete 180 from his statement a few days ago. He had called Iran a "respected, stabilizing influence" in the Middle East. Today, after hearing Ahmadinehjad's latest "peace proposal", he announced the exact opposite.

France's foreign minister condemned Ahmadinehjad's comments Thursday, saying Iran is ruining its chances to play a positive and stabilizing role in the Middle East.

"I totally condemn these words," Philippe Douste-Blazy said on France-Inter radio, saying they were "absolutely unacceptable on anyone's part, especially from a head of state."

The crisis had presented an opportunity for Iran to "show that it can play a positive and stabilizing role in the region," Douste-Blazy said, adding that Ahmadinejad's statement "confirmed that this is not the case."

During the 2004 presidential campaign, some complained that Kerry was too French. I think the French just proved they are too Kerry.