Alain Richard, France's agile defence minister

摘要

The minister, normally a picture of elegant good health, for once looks a trifle weary. Perhaps it is the constant pressure of directing France's armed forces, flying hither and yon—to Kosovo and Bosnia, yet again, this week and then, yet again, to Brussels-dealing with stroppy Russians or suspicious Americans, placating members of the National Assembly and, above all, trying to realise the dream of a Europe able to fight on its own behalf.