But, you know, countries do disagree about some things. It doesn't mean that it's a fundamentally hostile relationship. Laying groundwork, Bush and several Cabinet members met last week to craft a new position on global warming. In the early days of his administration, Bush backed out of an international climate change treaty without warning U.S. allies and broke a campaign pledge to regulate carbon dioxide emissions. Those acts created a furor in European capitals, and Bush's job approval ratings fell at home.
Advisers now say they failed to brace U.S. allies and the American public.
In response, Bush has suddenly taken up the fight against global warming. Seeking an alternative to stiff mandates found in the treaty, Bush is considering a package of mostly voluntary initiatives and flexible emissions caps for polluters. Aides say that before he leaves on Monday, the president will announce new money for research and technology aimed at reducing climate change. Missile defense is another sticking point. Allies fear Bush's aggressive approach will spark a new arms race.