Following the Wind...

The French aren't completely stupid, they know when the wind is changing, and they know to go with it than to go against it. As Reuters reports, they are already making attempts at rapprochment:

PARIS (Reuters) - France wants a fresh start in relations with the United States and both sides have much to contribute to a renewed transatlantic partnership, Foreign Minister Michel Barnier said in comments published Monday.

He made the remarks before a visit to Paris Tuesday by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice aimed in part at repairing ties damaged by the U.S.-led war in Iraq, which France opposed.

"The moment has come for a fresh start in our relations," Barnier said in an interview with the French daily Liberation which was conducted late last week.

"Alliance doesn't signify allegiance," he said, underlining the need for a mutual partnership. "A renewed transatlantic alliance must be based on two pillars (European and American)."

The French still hope to make the EU a counter to the US (because they see themselves dominating the EU), but they do know that making the US an enemy before that day is a mistake. We might even see some French help in Iraq soon, although I suspect it will be mostly show.