For once, France has an opportunity to really restore its setting in international diplomacy and re-assert its influence in the Middle East. But as usual, the occasion is being squandered, and the blame promptly directed toward everyone and their uncles.
Since the beginning of the war in Lebanon, as the US quickly got the word out they didn't have the resources to militarily step in (nor did they want to take the bait from Iran and Syria), France has been engaged as a truce negotiator with Israel, Lebanon, and the US. Throughout talks, France managed to find the correct balance between giving Israel the right to retaliate and Lebanon the right not to be a playground for war mongers. This was especially delicate considering France's history as a friend of Lebanon and a defender of Palestine. But the final resolution was a success. France was to lead the UN forces as they deployed in the region to enforce the cease-fire. The problem? That poodle's got no balls.
French troops on the ground number in the hundreds. The UN is asking for at least 5000. So far, no word from Paris about when they'll send more units. Paris is actually now voicing some hesitation at leading the force. The official reason is that we got burnt in Bosnia because there was no clear mandate, so now we're playing chicken. The main difference here of course, is that there is a clear mandate, supported by the US, Israel and Lebanon. It's about as close to a Carte Blanche as one can get in UN circles. And yet, somehow, France will again waste this opportunity to show that its still capable of great things.
What a shame.
More on this:
Le Monde
Wash. Post
Since the beginning of the war in Lebanon, as the US quickly got the word out they didn't have the resources to militarily step in (nor did they want to take the bait from Iran and Syria), France has been engaged as a truce negotiator with Israel, Lebanon, and the US. Throughout talks, France managed to find the correct balance between giving Israel the right to retaliate and Lebanon the right not to be a playground for war mongers. This was especially delicate considering France's history as a friend of Lebanon and a defender of Palestine. But the final resolution was a success. France was to lead the UN forces as they deployed in the region to enforce the cease-fire. The problem? That poodle's got no balls.
French troops on the ground number in the hundreds. The UN is asking for at least 5000. So far, no word from Paris about when they'll send more units. Paris is actually now voicing some hesitation at leading the force. The official reason is that we got burnt in Bosnia because there was no clear mandate, so now we're playing chicken. The main difference here of course, is that there is a clear mandate, supported by the US, Israel and Lebanon. It's about as close to a Carte Blanche as one can get in UN circles. And yet, somehow, France will again waste this opportunity to show that its still capable of great things.
What a shame.
Le Monde
Wash. Post
Labels: france
)
