Is Chirac the Answer Man for Middle East Ills?| Break's over. Everyone back into the Peace Processor© |
French sources say Mr. Chirac would like to establish various forums or "talking shops" on the Arab-Israeli conflict and Iraq, at which France could exercise influence and promote its role.| Not to worry, Jacques. There will always be a role for weasels in the Middle East. |
Diplomats cite Mr. Chirac's visit to Libya and his treatment of the illness and death of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat as perhaps the most significant recent moves targeting the Arab world. Mr. Arafat had been transported in a French military plane for medical care in France and treated as a head of state after his death. Although appreciated by the Arab world and by the 5 million Muslims in France, the gesture was insufficient to turn France into a major player on the Middle Eastern scene, diplomats said.| Kissing the arse of dying dictators gets you nice headlines. Deploying heavy artillery and helicopter gunships gets you respect and a seat at the policy table. |
Mr. Chirac's visit to Libya also failed to generate significant political dividends despite a pact on "strategic cooperation and political consultation" signed by the two countries. Traveling with Mr. Chirac to Tripoli last month were about 20 leading French businessmen searching for joint ventures as Libya emerges from international isolation. |