France and the US: From Reluctant Alliance to Ambiguous Rapprochement.

The relationship between France and the US is complex and characterised by frictions, which derive from the interests (and not the susceptibilities), of the two partners (Iraq, NATO, Afghanistan, the Middle-East). In order to avoid a return to past suspicions, the two allies need to establish a more structured dialogue, and cope with the new international agenda through more permanent structures. This requires a new culture of cooperation on both sides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]