In the hours before Nicolas Sarkozy was inaugurated as France's new president, you could practically hear a page turn in the book on Franco-American relations. It was when, over a breakfast of croissants and orange juice, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State John D. Negroponte, on a visit to Paris, highlighted the victory of Sarkozy--who by French politicians' standards seems rabidly pro-American as a generation-changing presidential victory with a broad mandate.

Yes, Washington is ready to begin a new chapter in bilateral relations, strained since the start of the war in Iraq. In that context, Negroponte offered a survey of the great challenges of our time, like a tutorial for a new government whose leader is not known for his foreign-affairs prowess. There is, of course, no shortage of crises for Sarkozy's France to show its mettle, Negroponte made clear during the breakfast that was organized by the French-American Foundation and the U.S. Embassy. France is already fighting alongside Washington in Afghanistan, or with Washington's approval or collaboration in Lebanon and Haiti, Negroponte noted, as well as helping to search for solutions to intractable crises from Iran to the Middle East to Darfur, all of which might benefit from further French involvement. The former U.S. National Intelligence director placed particular emphasis on the danger from failed or failing states amid the international war on terror. "These states need partners," Negroponte said, or else they will destabilize others. "Now is the time to work ever more closely."

Sarkozy has yet to offer a clear international vision, as extra-European affairs were largely absent from the presidential campaign. But prior to being elected, he did note that the "long-term presence" of French troops in Afghanistan isn't "decisive," spurring concerns that France might withdraw its 1,000 troops who are stationed near Kabul. "I don't think there's any doubt that there are challenges in Afghanistan," Negroponte acknowledged, noting the strong commitment of NATO partners like France--"and we would hope that commitment would continue to hold." North Africa, traditionally a French zone of influence, is another growing area of "concern" in the war on terror, Negroponte noted, in response to a series of recent bombings attributed to radical Islamists there. Summing up the big picture, Negroponte concluded, "It is only by working together that we're going to be able to deal with this [international terror] threat."
Whether it all amounted to wishful thinking about burden-sharing while the US is heavily invested in Iraq, or simply an overture to make a positive difference where France can, the deputy secretary of State wrapped his views and comments in history. France, a nation that has helped the United States in the past and that has been helped by America in return, has a proven willingness to fight "and sacrifice" for its ideals, he said, adding that France works to protect "freedom everywhere."

Plenty of Americans are also hungry for warmer bilateral relations. Eighty percent of Americans today believe that it is "somewhat" or "very important" for the United States to have good relations with France in the coming years, according to a survey commissioned by the French-American Foundation. Will Sarkozy make the difference? Sixty-two percent said that they don't know what impact he will have. Washington is clearly hopeful that he will back up the nascent change in the tone of bilateral relations with plenty of substance. If he does, the next State Department breakfast might just be over French toast.