Bill Kristol believes the Bush administration's exclusion of the countries who diplomatically defended Saddam Hussein's regime is "dumb." Michael Graham sees it as simple wisdom we learned in our primers. Where do I stand? I recognize that Old Europe, the Kremlin and the left will be fiercely trying to turn the issue to their favor. But, like Graham, my first thought was in fact of The Little Red Hen. America's one-time allies refuse to liberate an oppressed people and ridicule those who go ahead and do? Forgivable. America's not keen on rewarding (or trusting) those who did nothing to earn it? Inexpiable.

USS DEAD-ON: Steven Den Beste, as usual, puts it simply and powerfully. Yes, the majority of Europe supports us and no, we are not a doormat. Nor are our allies.