I know many of you are wondering why we’re talking about the French elections. Here’s why you should care. The French election this year offered a clear choice between the far-left socialist Royal and the right leaning Sarkozy. The choice made by the French will make a dramatic difference if they are to turn around their floundering economy. Most importantly, however, is what this means for the war against global jihad. All indications point to Europe becoming the future center of conflict against the jihadists. A large swath of unemployed young French Muslims would be a boon for jihadist recruiters. And while many of you are probably saying, “So what, Europe deserves it for their persistent policies of appeasement,” and you certainly make a good point, we have to consider a Europe in chaos not to be a good thing.

Another story you won’t be hearing about in the American media is how this caps a decidedly pro-American turn in Europe. The mantra, repeated without though since the beginning of the Bush administration, has been that Bush has alienated our allies and Europe. And yet, during his tenure, Bush has seen both Germany and France elect leaders more favorable toward America than their predecessors. In the case of France, Sarkozy is much more favorable. The son of a Hungarian immigrant, Sarkozy once declared that he was proud to be called more American than French, which was no doubt a response to an intended slur from one of his opponents. A Sarkozy presidency will be much less sympathetic to Palestinian terrorism than his predecessor Chirac and more supportive of American and Israeli efforts to defeat the jihadists. And that’s why we should all care that he has defeated Segolene Royal.

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