O'FAOLAIN (CONT)

But the attitudinal change I see here is part of global politics all the same. Americans who work or play outside their own country will have felt already, I'm sure, that the Bush presidency has changed how the world looks at America. For them -- for ordinary Americans -- the reception they get abroad at this time of profound difficulty should be warmer than ever.

But for the present administration -- and a 1,000-strong entourage will be accompanying Bush on his visit -- my welcome flag is furled. It was such fun and such an honor, the first four times a president came here. But in the bitter words of a poet: ''Never bright, confident morning again.''

Nuala O'Faolain, a former columnist for The Irish Times, is author of ''Almost There,'' a memoir.

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