Role Reversal

Who would have thought 4 years ago that by the end of 2007, the world would have to depend on France and Germany to be aggressive on the dangers in the Middle East.

Mr Sarkozy said he agreed with his German counterpart that Iran still posed a danger, and that he supported the push for more sanctions.

"Notwithstanding the latest elements, everyone is fully conscious of the fact that there is a will of the Iranian leaders to obtain nuclear weapons.

"What made Iran move up to now, it was sanctions and firmness," he said.

The National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) released on Monday reversed earlier statements on Iran by the Bush administration.

It is almost impossible to match the NIE with the bellicosity of Iran in regards to their nuclear program and Israel. Fortunately, some key European allies are willing to continue to pressure Iran.