The link below is to an opinion article from Regis Debray, former adviser to President of France, Francois Mitterrand.
An interesting read, suggesting that America is entering a political sphere through which "old europe" has passed; to wit, the idea that politics and religion are inseperable- and one civilization, in stark right-ness, can and should subjucate another, that is deemed by the prior to be in wrong-ness.
Again, an interesting read...and ultimately only partly satisfying. Debray oversimplifies American foreign policy into the fanatical religio-empire stereotype for the Bush administration.
I think that stereotype is true, but only rhetorically. Bush's greatest blunder these past months has been the alienation of so many allies on this issue (and the people governed by allies). His strategy of talking in absolute terms has led to this notion that Bush's Iraq plan is based on a religious worthiness. I don't think this is true- I tend to think the hope to topple Hussein is basically political. However, his talking points in tones of evil vs good have stupified most observers because it is unconvincing--and most observers I know are willing to deal with a bad actor through non-war means unless there is a perceived direct threat.
Because of Bush's haste and simplistic rhetoric, he has managed to lose legitimacy on the Iraq issue. As an international law professor quiped: he has managed to lose with a hand full of aces.
As I quip: In the face of a legitimate concern in the international environment, Bush has exposed his incompetence. He is destroying international alliance with reckless rhetoric and haste.

The French Lesson