I think there's also the issue of our own self-image. How far can we go before Americans start asking in a big way whether we can still consider ourselves a decent people?

And the international reaction, too, could be devastating. We don't live on this planet all alone...we've got to share it with others, and their opinions (and beleifs and aspirations) DO matter.

As far as Annan's quote, the French would heartily agree with him, I'd expect. They'd denounce the crimes of the German occupiers while applauding the behaviour of the Allied Forces who didn't, after all, engage in violent military action against the French population.

Gasbrained? I think Annan's got it right.