Jose Bove became a national hero after he dismantled his local McDonald’s and destroyed millions of dollars worth of GM grain. Deeply suspicious of threats to national identity, he is regarded a real life Asterix, fighting the dangers of globalization. No one was surprised when he emerged from his hilltop farm to lead the anti-war coalition, organizing rallies and passionately denouncing America’s actions. “Why does the United States want to go to Iraq? The only reason is oil,” he explains. American accusations of French ingratitude and cowardice have bolstered his popularity, alienating even America’s closest supporters. Marianne Heldin Vanura, tends the graves of US servicemen. She was horrified when the New York Post published a picture of the American War Cemetery under the caption ‘They Died for France but France has Forgotten.’ “It’s really immoral. It’s really, really horrible to do that,” she complains. Bove’s position demonstrates the growing split between America and ‘Old Europe’, revealing the deeper underlying culture clash. “People don’t understand why the US refused to recognize the international court or go on with Kyoto,” he states. One thing is certain: this latest split will not be easily resolved.

Produced by ABC Australia