Sarkozy bungles Beijing game

As Nicolas Sarkozy flies to the Olympics opening, he is being hammered in France for flip-flop behaviour that has let Beijing humilitate him. China has got Sarkozy's number, le Monde said this afternoon. "He has lost on all fronts: whether human rights or the international image of France or its relations with the Chinese authorities." Sarko's unfortunate Chinese gambit began in the spring when, under domestic pressure, he threatened to boycott the Olympics opening ceremony unless Beijing resumed dialogue with the Dalai Lama. Other leaders voiced criticism over Tibet and human rights, but none made the Olympics link. Britain's Gordon Brown and Angela Merkel of Germany was never planning to go to the opening. The Chinese were also upset by the very rough passage of the Olympic torch through Paris and French establishment... [read full story]