Condi was in Paris this afternoon. She gave a central speech at the Institute of Political Studies.
Here are the main points:
I am here in Europe so that we can talk about how America and Europe can use the power of our partnership to advance our ideals worldwide.
Our charge is clear: We on the right side of freedom's divide have an obligation to help those unlucky enough to have been born on the wrong side of that divide.
We agree on the interwoven threats we face today: Terrorism, and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and regional conflicts, and failed states and organized crime.
We have had our disagreements. But it is time to turn away from the disagreements of the past. It is time to open a new chapter in our relationship, and a new chapter in our alliance.America stands ready to work with Europe on our common agenda -- and Europe must stand ready to work with America.
First, we are joining together to encourage political pluralism, economic openness and the growth of civil society through the broader Middle East initiative. Freedom, by its very nature, must be homegrown. It must be chosen. It cannot be given; and it certainly cannot be imposed.
Second, we must build on recent successes by stabilizing and advancing democratic progress in Afghanistan and in Iraq. We must support them as they form their political institutions. We must help them with economic reconstruction and development. And we must stay by their side to provide security until Iraqis themselves can take full ownership of that job.
Third, we are working to achieve new successes, particularly in the Arab-Israeli diplomacy... and, the need for all of us -- in America, in Europe, in the region -- to make clear to Iran and Syria that they must stop supporting the terrorists who would seek to destroy the peace that we seek.
Ladies and Gentlemen, this is a time of unprecedented opportunity for the transatlantic Alliance. If we make the pursuit of global freedom the organizing principle of the 21st century, we will achieve historic global advances for justice and prosperity, for liberty and for peace.
Our transatlantic partnership will not just endure in this struggle; it will flourish because our ties are unbreakable. We care deeply about one another. We respect each other. We are strong, but we are strongest when we put our values to work for those whose aspirations of freedom and prosperity have yet to be met.
This is a new tone to which most of the Atlantist leaders will respond positively. The anti-war group will play along, but will remain cautious. First test will be the Peace process. There the Europeans will assess whether their positions are taken into account. Then Iraq. But who wan tell what will happen there?