By Prof. Engr. Zamir Ahmed Awan (ex-Diplomat, Editor, Analyst)
French ambitions may lead to a new dimension of tension in the World.
France is an important country with Veto Power, situated in Western Europe, with a population of 67 Million and an Area of 640,679 Square Kilometers. It has common borders with Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Monaco, Italy, and Spain. It is an old civilization and world power in modern history.
Its colonialization history goes back to the 16th Century and it has colonized several countries in Africa and Middle-East in the past.
France was a with the Triple Entente when World War I started. A small portion of France was occupied, but France and its allies gained a victory against the Central Powers at an incredible human and material cost. In 1940, France was attacked and occupied by Nazi Germany and Italy. After World War II, France was one of the founding members of NATO (1949).
Although France has a long history of wars and conflicts, modern France was friendly and peaceful during the last few decades. However, the recent initiatives taken by France under President Emmanuel Macron are quite ambitious and alarming.
France is very active in Libya, supporting the rebellion of General Haftar, engaging in Gas business, and interfering with the domestic politics of Libya directly. France is confronting Turkey and Qatar in Libya too.
The Recent keen interest of France in Lebanon is not out of its over-ambitious designs. The Beirut explosion has opened many avenues for France to penetrate into its former colony. President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Lebanon is meaningful, and especially his involvement in the appointment of the new Prime Minister of Lebanon means a lot of interest in Lebanon. It is predicted, there will be the enhanced influence of France in the fresh political set-up in Lebanon. Lebanon is facing a severe divide and internal & external proxies already.
Most dangerous, it is boosting its military presence in the eastern Mediterranean amid an escalating stand-off between Greece and Turkey over oil and gas exploration in disputed waters. The deployment of Rafale fighter jets and the naval frigate ‘Lafayette’ in the region as a strategy of new plans to increase its military presence in the area of conflict between Turkey and Greece. It is worth mentioning that a strong personal friendship exists between the President of France and the Prime Minister of Greece. Contrarily, Turkey and France were never good friends in history.
On the surface, France is stretching its muscle in the Mediterranean region, directly focusing to Libya, Lebanon, Qatar, and Turkey, etc., trying to build alliances in the region and enhancing its diplomatic efforts immensely. But, it should be noted, the country has a long history of adversaries with its neighbors in Europe. Although there is no immediate visible threat to any European nation from France, but, it can surprise the World unexpectedly. France may be showing its power to traditional rivals too. Libya, Qatar, or Lebanon may be not its only targets.
It is hoped that all nations may respect the UN Charter and refrain from any misadventure. Global peace and stability may be preserved. The sovereignty and integrity of other countries may be respected. All nations may collaborate with each other to promote understanding and harmony. Try level best to remove misunderstandings and differences. Struggle to reduce confrontations and tension among various cultures, countries, and nations. Let our efforts for a better world, where peace, stability, and prosperity prevail. Justice and the rule of law will prevail.
Author: Prof. Engr. Zamir Ahmed Awan, Sinologist (ex-Diplomat), Editor, Analyst, Non-Resident Fellow of CCG (Center for China and Globalization), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, Pakistan.
(The views expressed in this article belong only to the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of World Geostrategic Insights).