[Overpaid Slacker]

The notion of Germany or France carrying any substantial share of the load in Iraq is fatuous. They simply do not have the manpower or sophistication in their armed forces to deploy sufficient numbers of suitably equipped troops. This is the dividend of having the US supply their security for five decades -- they didn't invest in their armed forces and actually became somewhat anti-military. The funds they didn't have to invest in materiel/training/readiness went to fund their socialist paradises which are currently breaking down.

It is convenient for France to scapegoat W as an excuse not to "put up" for in Iraq, but the fact is, they couldn't be much help even if they wanted to and are likely avoiding the issue b/c it would be a full display of their weakness.

JP