This is something I feel very strongly about (I remember going almost nuclear about this earlier his year), and it appears we are making progress:
France and Germany agreed to work toward a “substantial reduction” of Iraq’s towering foreign debt next year, marking a significant step forward in the United States’ effort to rebuild the devastated country as well as progress in mending ties with the two countries most opposed to the American-led war there.
“Debt reduction is critical if the Iraqi people are to have a chance to build a free and prosperous Iraq,” said the statement released by French President Jacques Chirac’s office following language agreed upon by the three countries. “Therefore, France, Germany and the United States agree that there should be substantial debt reduction for Iraq in the Paris Club in 2004, and will work closely with each other to achieve this objective.”
What remains to be seen is whether or not they will put their money where their collective mouths are (I refer you back to Sebastian’s piece discussing the difference between words and deeds), but this is a positive first step.
If only Howard Dean had taken the time to teach former Secretary Baker and President Bush about foreign affairs, instead of just teaching them about defense, perhaps that could have been negotiated today. Howie will soon save us all, I guess.
*** Updates ***
Great minds, and all that.