Paul Waldie, The Globe and Mail (Canada)
Not that long ago, when it came to global security issues, France often went its own way, taking no part in NATO’s military command and often at odds with the Americans. Not anymore. Today, France is a key player in NATO’s military structure and has taken a leading role in Europe on issues in North Africa and the Middle East. And thanks to a surprising vote last week in the British Parliament not to back military action in Syria, French President François Hollande has pushed aside British Prime Minister David Cameron to become the United States’ new best friend.