A recent study showed that 77 percent of Europeans disapprove of President George W. Bush's handling of international affairs.

Big surprise considering the president is still championing a very unpopular war.

But come 2008, Americans will elect a new president, and whether it is a Republican or Democrat, that person faces the monumental task of rebuilding our diplomatic ties.

Good luck.

Our biggest ally in Europe, Tony Blair, announced he would step down as British prime minister within a year.

There goes our European anchor.

Bush has two more years in office, which he can spend trying to build relations with the rest of the world. It's better to be known as a uniter than divider.

Yesterday's five-year anniversary of Sept. 11 is a perfect reminder of a world united.

In the days and months following the tragedy, the country appeared so completely united. And, the leaders of other nations stood by our side. They've since stepped aside.

They've voiced their disagreement with our policies and said no when we asked them to send troops to Iraq.

While they do not count us among their enemies, "friend" isn't quite the word either.

In a post-Sept.11 world, what could be more important than building bridges between various governments and cultures?

Past administrations have made it a point to build diplomatic ties. Bush's father was known for his grace and skill as a diplomat.

Perhaps the president should take a page from his dad's book and spend his last two years rebuilding ties with Europe. We can only be a superpower so long.

And when we're not, it might be nice to know that we would have friends to count on.