The European allies have overcome their initial slowness in responding to the War on Terror, and are now appropriating more money for special forces, precision-guided weapons, and reconnaissance aircraft. France is passing a $400 million spending bill including 13 new Cougar-II EC-725 long-range helicopters and NBC protection gear. Britain will spend an extra $210 million on special forces, reconnaissance, and communications. Germany committed a whopping $1.3 billion, including aircraft (already planned) that could deploy its forces over a wide area. --Stephen V Cole