My kids always laugh when I say in my day real men didn't wear short pants or drink with straws and dancing was for girls. Of course, now I know better. But, I still sometimes have problems with France.

If you recall, not long ago French president Jacques Chirac boldly declared his country's willingness to go nuclear if threatened. Chirac's words were interpreted to be a strong message to Iran. Then last week Chirac announced, once a UN cease-fire Resolution was reached, France would head up a robust contingent of international forces into Lebanon. Just when it appeared that France and the US had actually managed to pull something off together, the Secretary General of the Arab League showed up. Chirac, in his usual French manner, boldly disappeared from the scene. And, for all practical purposes, he hasn't been seen since.

If you think the France dance is frustrating to Israel and the US, imagine how the EU's Javier Solana must feel. While Europe and the world may be on the brink of a conflict of biblical proportions, Solana must chase his ducks into order -- the strangest of which may be Chirac.

I would love to hear what's going on behind the closed doors of Solana's Political and Security Committee Read about it here. Evidently, after all France's spinning and dancing, Solana has thus far managed only a token commitment of French troops Read about it here.

You know? I don't think this war is over yet. And, perhaps Chirac doesn't either. If that's the case, it may explain Chirac's sudden reluctance to commit troops. Israel is telling Lebanon this is Lebanon's last chance. America is itching to take down Iran's nuclear program. If the US where to strike the Iranian facilities now, Israel wouldn't have to worry so much about her northern border. I suspect the stage may now be set not for peace, but for more war. I think Syria and Iran may know it too. 

And, like I said yesterday, the Western powers may not afford to let the current cease-fire stand. Syria, Iran and the Arab street are celebrating the UN Resolution as a victory for the Islamic crusade against Israel and the West. So, maybe I've got France all wrong. Maybe France is standing this one out for a very good reason -- like waiting for the next dance.

But, it's still a dance.