[...]American public opinion is actually displaying more of the phlegm traditionally associated with the British than are our media. The British press has sought domestic American jingoism, but almost in vain.


True, clever, cosmopolitan Americans are forswearing the wines of Bordeaux; Air Force One has rebranded its French toast "Freedom toast"; but there is something of a tease about some of these gestures. The sense of anger towards Paris is real, but widely misinterpreted. Americans are flaunting their dismay at the French not because they wish to be unilateralist, but because they would much rather not act alone.


That is what makes the British contribution to this war so crucial; since it is so crucial, we at home have a duty to hold as steady as our troops on the ground.