They'd lose to the Swiss Navy

Heh, heh. I like this. The Portuguese understand the dynamics of the modern world. They are willing to support us because they understand we are able to protect them in the event of an attack. But their comparison of the US and European military capabilities is priceless

"If we were attacked, is that what they would offer to defend us? How curious is this: in Bosnia, when we were called to send soldiers urgently to that region, the U.S. had C-17 and C-130 planes, and France leased ferry boats, which during the summer are employed in tourist services to Corsica.

"Is this how we are supposed to project our forces in Europe? Are they planning to defend us with ferry boats? I cannot envisage the European Commission protecting us from an attack in which highly developed weapons were employed," the foreign minister said.

The French had best beware of a battle with that maritime powerhouse they border - Switzerland. Their strategic lift capacity is, shall we say, lacking. And we already know that the French Army will surrender quicker than the Iraqis should there be a possibility of invasion.