I. “France to Reduce Nuclear Warheads”, BBC News, 3/21/08. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7308563.stm


II. This article is about the French President; Nick Sarcozy; and his reduction of nuclear missiles. He stated that he would reduce the arsenal to fewer then 300 missiles, half the maximum they had in the cold war. "By giving this information, France is fully transparent since it has no other weapons than those in its operational stocks," he told an audience at the northern port of Cherbourg. This would seem to leave France totally vulnerable or “transparent” to attack but he also stated in another speech that any country that would try to attack should expect a “severe riposte” or a quick, clever reply. He said that while France no longer faced a real threat invasion, the Middle East and Asia are now becoming a new threat, so President Sarcozy still is committed to France’s independent nuclear “strike force.”


III. Reactions:

A) Development and interaction of cultures is the theme of this article for a few reasons. The first is that it talks about technology and science when it speaks about nuclear weapons obviously. The second reason is because it talks about belief system and philosophy in that the President believes that he doesn’t have a need for all these weapons of destruction because he has barely an enemy. His philosophy is to only use weapons for defense only and the rest are not worth having. This philosophy shows his attitude toward peace and no weapons.

B)France has had over 600 nuclear missiles since the cold war, a severe amount of weapons which could easy destroy anything in its path. The cold war was a harsh time where no country could trust one another. France, one of several countries was introduced to nuclear technology resulting in a new form of defense or attack.

C) The author of this article isn’t stated, but from my interpretation, this writer as a french writer who agrees with president Nick Sarcozy. Either that or they are an outsider with no point of view.

D) I think that this person reporting the article shows a perspective when he or she says, “but he also insisted he was committed to France's nuclear deterrent, saying it was its "life-insurance policy." It may not seem like bias, but the writer is fully committed to the idea that President Sarcozy is doing this for peace and good. There is no evidence that the writer is against the president for this decision.

E) The point of view missing from this article is one from a middle eastern/ Asian president or citizen. Their voice would probably show belief in Sarcozy doing this for different reasons. Who knows, someone against the french might even think these speeches that he is giving are cover ups for other operations making the French seem vulnerable when they are not. The only reason I suggest a middle eastern or Asian president is because these are the two threats that Sarcozy states in his speech.

F) I like the attitude that this president is taking toward nuclear weapons because it is another step toward world peace. Slowly it seems it is happening. Missile by missile the world gets stronger.