There were four of them outside the vehicles talking or keeping watch on the parking lot. Bear and Beth, Mac and Billy. When the first one dropped, Billy spun around and clubbed it to the ground. But the rest came so fast that they could not hope to easily and quickly pick them off.
France is often referred to as America’s “oldest ally,” a relationship dating back to its crucial support for the American Revolution in 1778.1 Yet, despite this deep historical bond and shared values of democracy and liberty, there’s a recurring perception—particularly in the United States—that France is not always a good or reliable ally.2 This feeling stems not from a failure to cooperate, but from France’s fierce commitment to strategic independence and its history of prioritizing its own national and European interests over American foreign policy consensus.3
This dynamic of cooperation mixed with occasional confrontation has defined the Franco-American relationship for centuries.
The Root of the Tension: Strategic Autonomy
The fundamental reason France is often perceived as a “difficult” partner is its pursuit of “strategic autonomy.” This doctrine is rooted in the country’s post-World War II desire to reclaim its great power status and ensure its security is never wholly dependent on another nation, even a friendly one.5
This drive for independence has been most clearly defined by two major actions:
De Gaulle’s NATO Withdrawal (1966):6 Under President Charles de Gaulle, France famously withdrew from NATO’s integrated military command structure (though it remained a political member of the alliance).7 De Gaulle evicted all foreign troops and NATO bases from French soil, insisting that France develop its own nuclear deterrent (force de frappe). This was a clear message that France would determine its own defense policy and would not automatically submit to American military leadership.8
A Truly European Defense: France remains the EU country that most aggressively champions a truly independent European industrial and defense policy.9 While cooperating closely with the U.S. and NATO on specific missions (like counterterrorism), French leaders, particularly Emmanuel Macron, have consistently argued that Europe must avoid becoming a “vassal” of the United States, especially given shifts in American politics and foreign policy.10
High-Profile Disagreements and Diplomatic Splits
While cooperation on trade, intelligence, and culture is robust, the perception of France as a “difficult” ally is reinforced by several key diplomatic splits:
1. The Iraq War Opposition (2003)11
The most significant modern rift occurred when France, led by President Jacques Chirac, vehemently opposed the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq.12 France threatened to use its veto in the UN Security Council against a resolution authorizing military force, effectively blocking international legal consensus for the war.13
Consequences: This opposition led to a wave of “Francophobia” in the United States, epitomized by calls to boycott French goods (like wine) and the absurd, temporary renaming of “French fries” to “Freedom fries” in some US government cafeterias.14 The diplomatic fallout strained the alliance for years.
2. The AUKUS Submarine Debacle (2021)
A recent and painful blow to the French alliance was the AUKUS security pact between the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia.15 The deal saw Australia abruptly cancel a multi-billion dollar conventional submarine contract with France in favor of acquiring U.S. nuclear-powered submarines.16
The Snub: France was not consulted and viewed the move as an extraordinary act of betrayal and a diplomatic “stab in the back” by its allies. President Macron temporarily recalled the French ambassador from Washington—a rare and severe diplomatic rebuke—underscoring the feeling that the U.S. prioritizes its own geopolitical interests, even at the expense of its “oldest friend.”17
Historical Context of Complications
The current tensions are not new; they follow a pattern of cooperation and conflict that extends across centuries:
Historical Point of Friction
Description
Quasi-War (1798–1800)
Shortly after their initial alliance, tensions over U.S. neutrality in the French Revolutionary Wars led to French seizures of American ships, resulting in an undeclared naval war.
The Suez Crisis (1956)
The U.S. and the Soviet Union jointly opposed the invasion of Egypt by the U.K., France, and Israel. France viewed the U.S. action as a humiliation and a clear example of America undermining its core allies to serve its own global agenda.
Vietnam War
De Gaulle’s France openly and vocally criticized American involvement, urging the U.S. to withdraw.
In short, the feeling that France is a “difficult” ally is an unavoidable consequence of its determination to be a great power in its own right—one that reserves the right to disagree with Washington on matters of global order, trade, and military strategy. For France, being a loyal ally doesn’t mean being an obedient one.
“Beth!” Billy screamed from behind her. “Right. Your right!” She had been just about to fire at the two zombies attacking Mac, and so even as she turned, she did not turn her pistol completely, but kept it aimed to the front towards Mac and the two zombies. By the time she registered how close the three zombies were to her, there was no time to turn the pistol and fire. #Horror #Series #Dystopian #Apocalyptic
The rusty hinges of the dilapidated shack groaned a mournful protest as Bear pushed open the door, the scent of damp earth and decay clinging to the air like a shroud. Inside, Winston lay huddled beneath a threadbare blanket, his breathing shallow and ragged. #Horror #Series #Dystopian #Apocalyptic
The sun, a weak, watery orb, struggled to pierce the perpetual gloom of the junkyard. Its rays, filtered through the grimy haze of industrial decay and the skeletal remains of rusted cars, cast long, distorted shadows that danced with the shuffling figures of the undead. This was their sanctuary, a chaotic landscape of twisted metal, shattered glass, and the lingering stench of decay – their home. #Horror #Series #Dystopian #Apocalyptic
The Vietnam War (known in Vietnam as the Resistance War Against America or simply the American War) was primarily a conflict between the communist Democratic Republic of Vietnam (North Vietnam), led by Ho Chi Minh and his successors, and the anti-communist Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnam), backed initially by France and later by the United States.
North Vietnam sought to reunify the country under a single communist government. Their forces included the regular People’s Army of Vietnam (PAVN) and the Viet Cong (VC)—a South Vietnamese communist guerrilla force supported by the North.
South Vietnam sought to maintain its independence as a non-communist state. Their primary military force was the Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN), heavily supported by U.S. troops and materiel.
The conflict was a major proxy war of the Cold War, with the North supported by the Soviet Union and China, and the South supported by the United States and other anti-communist allies.
French Involvement First (The First Indochina War)
French involvement was rooted in nearly a century of colonial rule over Indochina (Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia).
Colonial Resistance: Following World War II and the Japanese occupation, the French attempted to re-establish their colonial control, but they were met with fierce resistance from the Viet Minh, a nationalist and communist-led independence movement under Ho Chi Minh.
The Defeat: The war between the French and the Viet Minh lasted from 1946 to 1954. The decisive turning point came with the Battle of Dien Bien Phu in May 1954, where the French forces were decisively defeated.
The Geneva Accords (1954): This agreement formally ended French rule and temporarily partitioned Vietnam at the 17th Parallel. The North would be governed by the Viet Minh, and the South by a non-communist regime. Crucially, the accords called for nationwide unification elections in 1956, which were ultimately rejected by the South Vietnamese government (with U.S. backing) because they feared Ho Chi Minh would win. The division became permanent, setting the stage for the Second Indochina War (the Vietnam War).
American Involvement Afterwards (The Vietnam War)
U.S. involvement grew out of the Cold War policy of containment—preventing the spread of communism.
Advisory Role (1950s–Early 1960s): The U.S. initially provided financial and military aid to the French and then to the new South Vietnamese government, installing a series of political leaders, most notably Ngo Dinh Diem. The U.S. presence consisted mainly of military advisors and trainers.
Escalation (Mid-1960s): Following the Gulf of Tonkin Incident in 1964 and the subsequent resolution by Congress, President Lyndon B. Johnson dramatically escalated the U.S. commitment. This marked the shift from an advisory role to large-scale military intervention, including bombing campaigns against North Vietnam and the deployment of hundreds of thousands of combat troops to the South. At its peak, the U.S. had over 500,000 troops in Vietnam.
De-escalation and Withdrawal (Late 1960s–Early 1970s): The 1968 Tet Offensive, though a military defeat for the North, was a psychological and political victory that eroded American public support for the war. President Richard Nixon introduced the policy of Vietnamization, gradually withdrawing U.S. troops while simultaneously training and equipping the ARVN to take over the fighting.
End of War: The Paris Peace Accords were signed in January 1973, leading to the final withdrawal of U.S. combat forces. Fighting continued between North and South Vietnam until April 30, 1975, when North Vietnamese forces captured Saigon, leading to the total collapse of South Vietnam and the reunification of the country under a single communist government.
How many American men (and women) died in that undeclared war?
The total number of U.S. military fatal casualties is 58,220. This figure includes men and women from all branches of the armed services who were killed in action, died from wounds, or were missing in action and declared dead. This number is inscribed on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C.
How were returning men and women, U.S. Soldiers, treated by the American press and public?
The treatment of returning Vietnam veterans was markedly different from the heroes’ welcomes of previous wars like World War II. It is widely considered one of the most painful legacies of the conflict.
The Press: Television news brought uncensored, graphic images of the war’s brutality and futility directly into American homes. As the press became increasingly critical after major events like the Tet Offensive, the negative narrative about the war often spilled over onto the soldiers themselves. Negative stories focused on drug use, low morale, and atrocities.
The Public: Veterans often returned home to an indifferent or, in some cases, hostile public. The widespread unpopularity of the war meant that anger at the policy and the conflict was often conflated with anger at the soldiers who executed it.
Unlike World War II veterans who received triumphant ticker-tape parades, Vietnam veterans often arrived back individually at quiet airports and were urged to change into civilian clothes quickly.
While the image of veterans being “spit on” has become a powerful and politically useful myth, evidence suggests such incidents were rare. However, what was widespread was a distinct lack of recognition, gratitude, or organized celebration.
Many veterans also struggled with the long-term psychological and physical effects of the war, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), which was not widely understood or formally recognized by the medical and veterans communities until years later.
Has it been rebuilt yet? How is Vietnam now…
Rebuilding and Economic Status:
Economic Reform (Đổi Mới): The initial years after reunification (1975–1986) were characterized by economic struggles due to the imposition of a centrally planned, socialist economy, internal political repression, and a U.S. trade embargo. In 1986, the Communist Party of Vietnam introduced sweeping economic reforms known as Đổi Mới (Renovation).
Current Status: Vietnam has undergone a remarkable transformation. It has shifted from one of the world’s poorest countries to a lower-middle-income country with a dynamic, market-oriented economy. It is now a major global manufacturing hub and is largely considered rebuilt, economically speaking, having integrated fully into the global economy.
Is it a free country now?
Political Status:
Vietnam is not considered a free country by international standards; it is a one-party state ruled by the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV).
While the constitution guarantees fundamental rights, in practice, the CPV maintains tight control over political life, the media, and religious organizations.
The government has cracked down on dissent and limits freedoms of expression and assembly. While economic and social life is much more open than in the post-war decades, the political system remains authoritarian.
In summary, Vietnam is a nation that is economically thriving and fully rebuilt, but it operates under a centralized, single-party political system that restricts democratic freedoms. Relations with the United States are robust and have transitioned from adversaries to increasingly strategic partners.
Bear squatted and peered down at the girl and the boy for a few moments before he spoke again. “What do you think of her hand?” Beth squatted beside him and looked down at the girl. She stood and shook her head. “I can’t tell. It looks like she’s turning. Turns black, you know, but just under the skin… like… like a spiderweb flowing out under their skin. Bad description, I know,” she finished. #Horror #Series #Dystopian #Apocalyptic
Things were crazy, and they seemed to be getting worse as the days rolled by. The police precinct was still burning. It had started sometime during the night two days before, and since there was no one to put the fire out, it had been raging for hours now. A few minutes ago, the roof of the building next door to the precinct burst into flames. #Horror #Series #Dystopian #Apocalyptic
Take a look at this excerpt from Author W. W. Watson. This is a series of private detective novels. This is from Book 2. Scroll to the bottom of the page to get the book, if you like it, from Amazon…
The sense of closure from the Robert case proved illusory. The city’s hum, once a comforting backdrop, now felt like a constant, low-level thrum of impending trouble. It started subtly; a missed call from a blocked number, a cryptic email with no sender’s information, a fleeting glimpse of a familiar face in a crowded street that vanished as quickly as it appeared. These were small things, easily dismissed as coincidences, the product of an overactive imagination fueled by months of relentless investigation and emotional turmoil. But they chipped away at my newfound peace, a slow, insidious erosion of calm.
Then came the letter. A simple, unmarked envelope slipped under my apartment door, containing a single photograph – a grainy, poorly lit image of Sally standing outside a dimly lit bar, a man’s arm draped possessively around her shoulders. The man’s face was obscured by shadow, but the silhouette, the posture, the way he held her… it was chillingly familiar.
My stomach clenched. I knew that face. Or at least, I knew the
shape of it. It resonated with a memory, buried deep beneath the layers of recent trauma, a fleeting image from a case I’d worked years ago – a case involving a brutal assault, a string of unsolved disappearances, a network of organized crime that had stretched far beyond my reach. The man in the photograph, I was almost certain, was a peripheral figure from that investigation, someone I’d only caught a glimpse of, a shadowy figure on the edge of the frame. Someone I’d never been able to identify, someone who’d vanished without a trace.
The implications were staggering. My investigation into Robert’s infidelity had inadvertently unearthed something far more sinister, something that connected to a dark chapter in my past, a case that had haunted me for years. It was a chilling revelation, a cruel twist of fate that thrust me back into the murky waters of organized crime. This wasn’t just about a broken marriage anymore; this was about something far bigger, far more dangerous.
The photograph wasn’t just a threat; it was a challenge. A gauntlet thrown down, daring me to pick it up and face the consequences. The carefully constructed peace I’d worked so hard to achieve was shattered, replaced by a familiar knot of anxiety that tightened in my chest. The nightmares returned, sharper, more vivid, filled with distorted faces and the chilling whisper of impending danger.
My cautious, methodical approach, honed over years of experience, was suddenly inadequate. This wasn’t a simple infidelity case; this was a potential descent into a dangerous underworld. I needed to tread carefully, to plan each step meticulously. I couldn’t afford to make a mistake; the consequences could be devastating.
My first step was to verify the photograph. Was it a genuine image, or a carefully constructed fabrication designed to manipulate, to provoke a reaction? The quality of the photograph was poor, the details obscured, but there were subtle elements that suggested authenticity – the subtle grain, the way the light fell on the building in the background, the slightly blurry details that hinted at a hasty, clandestine shot.
I ran the image through various forensic enhancement programs, pushing the pixels to their limits, attempting to coax more information from the shadows. The results were frustratingly inconclusive. The man’s face remained obscured, his features hidden beneath the veil of darkness. But I did find something else – a barely visible detail in the background of the image – a street sign, partially obscured, but identifiable as a street located in the city’s less desirable district, known for its high crime rate and its connection to several organized crime syndicates.
The location provided a starting point. I checked local police reports, scouring databases for any activity in that area that might shed light on the man’s identity or Sally’s activities. There was nothing immediately obvious; the police reports were a sea of mundane incidents – petty theft, domestic disputes, vandalism. But something felt off. The sheer volume of minor offenses, their clustering within a small geographical area, suggested a pattern, a suggestion of organized crime operating at a low level, using the smaller crimes as a distraction or as a way to maintain control over the territory.
My investigation led me down a rabbit hole of back alleys, shady bars, and clandestine meetings. I spent nights following shadows, observing individuals who seemed to exist on the periphery of the city’s underbelly. The investigation was a slow, painstaking process, a delicate dance between observation and discretion. One wrong move, one misplaced step, could have dire consequences.
Days bled into weeks, the anxiety a constant companion. Sleep offered little respite, the dreams a chaotic mixture of blurred faces, cryptic messages, and the suffocating weight of impending danger. My old fears returned, sharper and more intense than ever before. The memory of the near-fatal incident with my friend, the agonizing physical and emotional pain, felt like a constant threat, a stark reminder of the dangers inherent in this line of work.
I sought guidance from my therapist, Dr. Evans. He listened patiently, offering words of encouragement and practical advice. He reminded me of the importance of self-care, of the need to maintain a balance between my work and my personal life. His words were calming, his presence a source of strength and stability in a world that was increasingly uncertain.
Through the fog of fear and uncertainty, a new understanding started to emerge. This wasn’t just about solving a case; it was about protecting Sally, about preventing a potential tragedy. The stakes were high, the risks considerable. But I couldn’t stand idly by. The sense of responsibility, the weight of the potential consequences, drove me forward. The fight was on, and this time, it was personal. The shadows loomed large, but the flickering flame of determination within me burned brighter than ever. The city held its breath, oblivious to the storm brewing beneath its surface. I was ready.
The city’s underbelly, once a distant, shadowy realm I only glimpsed from afar, now felt unnervingly close. The investigation into Sally’s husband’s infidelity had led me down a rabbit hole, and I was rapidly losing sight of the surface. The blurry photograph, the ominous location, the sheer volume of seemingly unrelated petty crimes in that specific area – all pointed to something far more intricate and dangerous than I had initially anticipated.
My next step involved deep dives into the city’s databases, exploring connections beyond the police reports. I focused on property records, business licenses, and even social media profiles of residents in the area identified in the photo. The digital breadcrumbs were sparse, but they began to reveal a pattern. Several businesses in that area, seemingly legitimate establishments like a laundromat, a small grocery store, and a repair shop, were registered to shell corporations, their ownership obscured by layers of anonymous holding companies. The addresses, however, all clustered around the same few blocks.
This pointed towards a money-laundering operation, a classic front for a larger criminal enterprise. I recalled a similar tactic used by the organization I’d encountered years ago, the one that had left a trail of unsolved disappearances in its wake. The chilling similarity sent a shiver down my spine. Could this be a splinter group? A resurgence of the same organization? Or something entirely new, using similar methods?
I spent days observing these seemingly innocuous businesses. I watched people coming and going, noting license plates, making mental notes of faces and interactions. I learned to recognize the subtle cues – the furtive glances, the hushed conversations, the nervous fidgeting, the almost imperceptible exchange of small, unmarked packages. The seemingly ordinary citizens were playing a crucial role in a far larger, more sinister game.
One evening, while observing the laundromat, I witnessed a meeting that sent a jolt of adrenaline through me. Two men, both dressed in unremarkable clothes, met in a secluded corner of the parking lot. One was short, stocky, with a face etched with years of hard living; the other was taller, leaner, with a cold, calculating gaze. They spoke in hushed tones, occasionally glancing over their shoulders, their body language betraying a deep-seated unease.
Using my long-range lens, I managed to capture a brief glimpse of what they were exchanging – a small, leather-bound book, seemingly innocuous at first glance. But closer examination revealed a series of intricate symbols embossed on the cover. These symbols, I realized with a jolt of recognition, were similar to the ones I’d encountered in the old case files, symbols used by the organized crime syndicate I’d battled years before.
The book, I suspected, contained vital information – perhaps a ledger of transactions, a list of members, or even a detailed plan for a major operation. My gut instinct screamed that this was my key to understanding the larger network. Securing that book was now my top priority.
The following days were a whirlwind of planning and preparation. I reviewed my previous surveillance techniques, refining them, incorporating new elements learned over the years. The challenge was significant: the men were obviously cautious, aware of potential surveillance. They were professionals. I needed a strategy that minimized my risk, maximized my chance of success, and left no trace of my involvement.
I mapped out the men’s movements, noting their routines, their preferred routes, their meeting points. I identified the blind spots in their security, the moments when their attention was diverted, the windows of opportunity. I devised a plan – a carefully orchestrated sequence of events designed to snatch the book without raising their suspicion.
The execution of the plan required nerves of steel and precision timing. It involved a carefully planned diversion, a subtle manipulation of their routine, and a daring snatch-and-grab operation under the cover of darkness. The risk was considerable. One wrong move could expose me, not only jeopardizing the investigation but potentially putting Sally in harm’s way.
The night of the operation arrived, cold and damp, the city lights reflecting in the puddles on the slick pavements. My heart pounded in my chest, a frantic drumbeat accompanying my every step. I moved like a ghost, my movements fluid and silent, blending into the city’s nocturnal tapestry.
The diversion went off without a hitch. The distraction created the necessary opening, allowing me to approach the meeting point undetected. The snatch itself was swift and clean, a blur of motion and a decisive grab. Before the men could react, I was gone, melting back into the shadows, the leather-bound book safely secured in my possession.
The book’s contents revealed a network far more extensive than I had imagined. It detailed a sophisticated money-laundering scheme, an intricate web of shell corporations, and a series of planned illicit activities that stretched far beyond the city limits. The names and aliases mentioned were chillingly familiar – echoes from the past, remnants from my previous encounters with the organization.
The implications were profound. This wasn’t simply a case of infidelity; it was a major criminal operation, with far-reaching implications. I had stumbled onto something far bigger, far more dangerous than I ever could have anticipated. The city, its bustling life continuing oblivious, held its breath, a storm brewing under its seemingly calm surface, a storm I was now squarely in the middle of. And as I delved deeper, I realized the true magnitude of the threat, a threat that extended far beyond Sally and her husband’s personal drama. This was a fight for survival, not just for myself, but potentially for the city itself. The stakes were impossibly high, and I was prepared to pay the price.
The leather-bound book, now safely tucked away in my apartment, felt heavier than its actual weight. Its contents were a damning indictment of a criminal network I had only glimpsed years ago, a network that seemed to have resurfaced with renewed vigor and sophistication. The intricate web of shell corporations, the coded language, the subtle allusions to future operations – it was all a testament to their meticulous planning and their chilling efficiency. But the book also revealed something unexpected, something that added a whole new layer of complexity to the case: a series of names, seemingly unconnected to the money-laundering scheme, yet intricately woven into the fabric of the organization. These names belonged to individuals I knew – some acquaintances from the police department, others from the shadowy world of private investigation.
The realization sent a cold wave of dread through me. It wasn’t just a case of organized crime; it was a conspiracy that reached into the very institutions I had trusted, the people I had considered allies. The lines between right and wrong, between friend and foe, had become hopelessly blurred. I was forced to confront the unsettling truth that some of the people I’d interacted with over the years might be complicit, knowingly or unknowingly, in this criminal enterprise.
The weight of this revelation forced me to re-evaluate my approach. I couldn’t just rely on my instincts and investigative skills; I needed a more strategic approach, one that navigated the treacherous waters of betrayal and hidden allegiances. My network of contacts, once a reliable source of information, now seemed unreliable, possibly compromised. Every conversation, every exchange of information, was now fraught with suspicion, a minefield of potential deception…
Get this book at Amazon…
My apartment, usually a sanctuary of quiet solitude, became a temporary forensic lab. The dining table transformed into a command center, littered with maps, photographs, financial records, and transcripts of intercepted phone calls. The air hung heavy with the scent of stale coffee and the lingering aroma of cheap takeout containers. Days bled into nights as I painstakingly organized the evidence, meticulously documenting every detail, creating a comprehensive narrative that would stand up to the scrutiny of the legal system… #BookWorm #Readers #KindleUnlimited #WWWatson #Crime #Noir #Mystery #PrivateEye
By Dell Sweet The Nation series follows a group of survivors as they navigate the changed reality of the apocalypse, where the living are as likely to kill you as the dead are. From Los Angeles to New York and all points in between the survivors come together and begin to live again… #Dystopian #ApocalypticFiction #Readers #DellSweet #EarthsSurvivors Smashwords – The Nation
