Whatever the opinions Nicolas Sarkozy holds, observers have recognised several qualities in him: dynamism, spirit of initiative and the ability to mobilise people. I'll add another one to the list: a flexibility that enables him to revise his projects and “adjust his sights” in light of comments and criticism. One only has to recall the relaunch of the European debate on a new treaty; his starting point was a mini-treaty, a notion that was logically unacceptable to member states that had...