For the first time since 1996, the nation John Kerry affectionately refers to as "Washington's oldest ally" is being rewarded with full honours. We look at the timing of a trip that coincides with France showing its full Atlantist credentials on Iran and Syria, not to mention Africa, where French boots on the ground are getting US support. Issues do remain, however, notably over what's seen here as the US's cavalier attitude to e-commerce and eavesdropping. How frank will the discussion be?
