Nixon went to China, Condoleezza Rice went to Paris. Yesterday the US secretary of state proclaimed a desire on the part of the Bush administration to move on from the rancorous dispute over Iraq and begin a new chapter in the transatlantic relationship. Gone is the mocking of Old Europe, the poisonous strategy of divide and rule, and the mantra - attributed to none other than Ms Rice - that the US should "forgive Russia, ignore Germany and punish France". Now the talk is of renewed partnership, a revitalised alliance and US interest in a strong and united Europe. Even those with cause to be sceptical should take Ms Rice at her word and respond in good faith.

The invitation to partnership, to be sure, is an offer to join the US in pursuing an agenda George W. Bush has already defined: the so-called "forward strategy of freedom". This strategy - reprised in the president's inaugural address - holds that the spread of democratic rights and economic opportunities is the best way to combat terrorism. Yet, as Tony Blair points out, there is no reason why European progressives should be hostile to this goal simply because it emanates from a rightwing US administration.