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France has decided to come in from the cold and rejoin Nato as an active participant in its operations. Although France never left Nato, in the sense that it has been an observer to the organisation since President Charles de Gaulle pulled it out in 1966, it has always maintained observer status.
Basically, that left France the right to pick and choose which operations, if any, it would assist Nato in - a situation the US was more than unhappy with, accusing France of not pulling its weight as a major European power.
Now, however, French President Nicolas Sarkozy is taking a more pragmatic view of events. He realises if France is to have any influence in Europe and on the world stage, it must be an equal partner with Britain, the only other Nato power usually ready to jump at the bidding of fellow Nato member, the US.
It is likely France will try to seize the initiative in being the sole point of contact between Nato and the US as it upgrades its military strength and brings it more in line with modern logistics.
Whether Britain will care about France taking the leadership role is another matter, but it will be pleased to see another Nato power onside.
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