OK - this could be far-reaching

France withdrew from NATO in 1966 and has kept a lot of influence in various countries round the world by its opposition to, for example, the invasion of Iraq and it's stance of being aloof from USA foreign policy (while its neighbour Britain is seen as the USAs poodle or even as the 51st state.)

Meanwhile France has been involved in NATO operations for many years. Président Sarkozy wants to rationalise the situation.

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