Dominique de Villepin and the Mid East

In an exclusive interview with CNN, French Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin may surprise you with what he has to say:

Asked if is true that Europe is ready to reopen negotiations with Iran over its nuclear program, de Villepin said, "No. We have made an offer. And Iran has decided to resume the enrichment of uranium, the conversion of uranium, and I think it is very important now today to put pressure on Iran to make sure that they accept this offer. If they don't accept -- then we will have to go then to the Security Council."

And with Iraq:

As to whether the United States should withdraw its troops, the French prime minister said any withdrawal would have to be coordinated, taking into account "the situation on the ground" in Iraq.

Also, this from the AP this afternoon:

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) -- Iran's space agency is trying to snap up technology from abroad as fast as possible for its satellite program, fearing the West will seek to impose restrictions like those put on the Iranian nuclear program.

Iran has major ambitions in space, looking to show off its technological abilities, monitor its neighborhood -- where the United States has hundreds of thousands of troops -- and establish itself as a regional superpower.