When the French got discouraged, they would dream of creme brulee and miss being at home instead of out in the wilderness among savages to whom caramelization was an unknown concept.

When the English got discouraged, the would think about blood pudding and decide to press on. And now we see the results: the French still have excellent French food, while the only decent food to be found in Britain is served by immigrants from East and South Asia, the Middle East and Mediterranean area.

If the Americans are in Iraq for long, perhaps they will come home with a better appreciation for more interesting food than the hot dogs and hamburgers on which they smear ketchup. Aside from the Crown Jewels, a love for curry is probably the best thing the Brits got out of India.