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Washington does not like the concept, remote as it is, because a dumbbell Europe might some day swerve out of control. In the long view, however, it could provide an inspiring goal for Europe to pursue, if only because it would encourage Europe to unite. Until and unless Europe makes progress in that direction, it will simply have to accept the fact—cheerfully if it can, Gaullishly if it must—that in the common interest, the U.S. is in charge of the West's defense.