It really does show the deep rift that exists between the US and these Nations.
With the Cold war over, NATO may have served it's purpose and a reassessment of it's longer term usefulness and viability (in light of France's and Germany's attitude) must be on the cards. I heard Rumsfeld hinting that the US is looking at it's Military presence in Germany and the possibility of withdrawing it, which, he indicated will alllow re deployment in areas more crucial to perceived threats to US security.
If Nato crumbles it may have a destabilising effect on the EU,as some of the Nations and States seem a lot happier with the US alliance via NATO than with "Old Europe".
Iraq after all may just be the catalyst that leads to this.
