It's nice to see that Germany is trying to patch things up, as predicted:

I expect that sanctions will be lifted quickly," said Schr�der. "In the end, this is about the people of Iraq, who must be helped as soon as possible."

Schr�der and company seem rather put out, though, that the administration isn't friendlier. They'll just have to get over that -- Bush won't take any substantive actions against Germany (base closings are sensible, not punitive), but he's not the kind to forgive and forget. Relations will remain proper but cool for as long as Schr�der (and Bush) are in power. That said, Bush probably shouldn't be flirting quite so openly with the Union -- It's improper and it's likely to backfire.

Now we'll just have to see what France and Russia are up to. Russia is quietly belligerent but seems to be hinting that it will accept bribes. France is just freaking out, which could have several causes:

An attempt to preemptively discredit information they fear will be coming out of Iraq

An attempt to score sympathy points in preparation for a new round of strife at the security council

A sudden realization that the breach is serious and that Bush isn't going to kiss and make up ever any time soon.

Time (i.e. the next week or two) should tell.

North Korea has apparently invented Jolt.