Why is Europe so fond of diesels?

[Jon R Tetzloff]

Sorry, but I gotta ask.   Why the diesel craze?
I was brought up in the US and 'taught' that diesels
make a horrible clattering racket, stink, pollute, get way
lower power per cubic inch than a gasoline engine,
and start worth crap in the cold.
I realize that modern diesels are probably clean
and quiet, etc, yet you still pretty much couldn't give
away a diesel car in the US.
Is the popularity in Europe a fuel cost thing, a
mechanical simplicity thing, engine longevity,
or what?
I'm not trying to take sides or start any arguments, I am
just curious why there's such a difference between
the US and Europe here.
thanks
Jon