Foreign Policy Gaffe Machine Strikes Again; Obama Sends Note to Chirac Pledging Friendship, Working Relationship

Update: I agree with the commenters who think that Obama was just being cozy with Chirac, and hadn't actually forgotten who the President of France was. At the same time, this is a clear snub to Sarkozy and his pro-War on Terror policies (or at least, more pro-WOT than his predecessor). It's also slightly ridiculous for Bambi to claim to be looking forward to working with an out-of-power French leader, especially when he has made no visible effort to work with France's current one.

Original Post:
The actual President of France, Nicolas Sarkozy, who has been trying for months to get a sit-down with President Obama is not amused.

Le Figaro reports (Warning: French) that Obama sent the former leader of France a "very nice" letter, which included this idiotic comment:

"I am certain that we will be able to work together, in the coming four years, in a spirit of peace and friendship to build a safer world."

That sound you hear is me banging my head on the desk because I just don't know what to say. I mean, WHAT THE FUCK?!?!

Is this snub revenge for Sarkozy calling Obama's foreign policy "utterly immature" during the campaign?

Making a List:

1. Canada: NAFTA fiasco.
2. Poland: missile shield "misunderstanding".
3. UK: Churchhill bust return.
4. Russia: "overcharge" button.
5. UK: insulting gifts to the Browns.
6. France: not realizing that Chirac has been out of power for two years.

What am I missing? Helpful commenters reminding me:

7. Brazil: Misspelling the president's name.
8. Mexico: NAFTA
9. India: Thinking Kashmir is Pah-kee-stan.

posted by Gabriel Malor at 09:08 PM

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