France Seeks Bigger Role in NATO, Sarkozy Says

French soldiers of NATO's International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) patrol Arghandab district after NATO and Afghan military forces have driven out hundreds of Taliban militants from around the restive Kandahar, Afghanistan 20 June 2008. At least 57 Taliban insurgents were killed and dozens more were wounded as NATO and Afghan forces drove out militants who had recently infiltrated several villages in the southern province of Kandahar, officials said 19 June 2008. EPA/HUMAYOUN SHIAB

From The Wall Street Journal:

PARIS -- Despite strong domestic opposition, French President Nicolas Sarkozy said during the weekend that France remains committed to playing a bigger role in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, the international military alliance born out of the Cold War.

France pulled out of NATO's command structures in 1966, under President Charles de Gaulle, who feared his country might be drawn into a conflict with the Soviet Union against its will.

Now, Mr. Sarkozy is widely expected to use celebrations in France and Germany in early April to mark NATO's 60th anniversary as an occasion to announce that France will rejoin as a full NATO member.

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My Comment: The French Government is realizing that the 'going alone approach' does not cut it in today's world. The reasons for why they left are no longer there .... France will be a member of Nato by this summer.