The military parade, dominated by the celebration of victory in Mali and the joint participation of African and United Nations troops, had the perfection of a gracious, albeit muscular, ballet.

After many decades of Disney movies, we have been conditioned to expect princesses to fall in love quickly with their charming princes and live happily ever after. And when there are challenges or obstacles (mostly in the more recent movies), these are quickly overcome (and with humor).

PARIS Bastille Day, the French national holiday, was glorious this year. The military parade, dominated by the celebration of victory in Mali and the joint participation of African and United Nations troops, had the perfection of a gracious, albeit muscular, ballet.