Mark Kirk: “One of the challenges Secretary Powell faces is the growing isolation of Germany and France from their European allies.…”

“One of the challenges Secretary Powell faces is the growing isolation of Germany and France from their European allies. NATO nations voted 16 to 3 to support the defense of Turkey, our democratic ally. I worry about Germany's growing anti-Turkish policy, first to oppose Turkey's EU membership and now to oppose defending the Turkish democracy. I worry for France. Tens of thousands of Britons, Canadians, and Americans fought to free France. Now France stands for the principle that democracies should be distracted from dictators. The French Government, one wag said, they are always there when they need you.”