French Venture Into Iraq

Is this a thaw?

BAGHDAD - France’s foreign minister paid an unannounced and highly symbolic visit to Baghdad on Sunday — the first by a senior French official since the war started and a gesture to the American effort in Iraq after years of icy relations over the U.S.-led invasion. Bernard Kouchner said Paris wanted to “turn the page” and look to the future.

Of course, it is an indication that Iraq is becoming safer if the French will venture into it.