This I don't like to see. If France and Germany can't find some common ground, it bodes no good for the EU. Ok, so everybody knows this. Perhaps then you might be able to tell me to what extent this Sarkozy-Merkel divide is a product of personality? Historical accident? Would any other pair of leaders be out there pouring gas on the flames like this article makes these two appear to be doing? Is the article a huge overstatement that should come with a [Murdoch Alert]?

Because I thought that everyone agrees that protectionism is about the worst idea at this time. And how likely are Merkel's inflationary fears? I would have thought that deflation is the bigger worry at this point.

But I'm no economist and maybe I'm way out in left field with this, so anyone who cares to straighten me out, feel free.

"It Can't Be Just About Us"
--Frank Schnittger, ETian Extraordinaire