France aims for influence in the Mideast
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While a full-blown civil war continues to envelop Libya, France was the first to take decisive diplomatic actions by recognizing the rebel National Libyan Council as the "legitimate representative" of the Libyan people. It then advocated for the UN to levy sanctions against Libya, including imposing a no-fly zone, which was justified by invoking the protection of civilians. However, it is evident that France's high-profile intervention comes with a clear agenda.
Force Muammar Gaddafi from power
In the eyes of the French, Gaddafi is more than a baneful dictator. He is a notorious devil blamed for the Lockerbie bombing in 1988, which killed 270 in a plane crash. Although the Libyan government provided huge economic compensation to the victims' families, European countries still believe Gaddafi deserves to be killed.
Under the current political turmoil and civil strife in Libya, President Sarkozy went on the diplomatic offensive against Gaddafi by recognizing the rebel National Libyan Council, and in doing so fell in line with public opinion in France. Sarkozy's approach was undoubtedly the correct position and politically shrewd in the context of France's presidential election next year.
Revive the Mediterranean Union
With strong support from Sarkozy, 27 member countries of the EU and 13 Mediterranean partners announced the establishment of the Union for the Mediterranean on July 13, 2008. However, Libya refused to join the union, despite being a key country in the region. Libya's refusal led directly to Sarkozy and Gaddafi's bad relationship.
As unrest is rattling the nerves of some Middle Eastern and North African countries, France clearly indicated that it was time to grasp the opportunity to revive the Mediterranean Union.
Maintain economic lifelines in West Asia and North Africa
Economically, West Asia and North Africa are crucial to France's energy supply, and Libya is a huge market and resource supplier to France, which was hit hard by global financial crisis and only now is beginning to recover. The political unrest in Libya has sent oil prices soaring, dealing a further blow to France.
In order to maintain its own economic lifelines in West Asia and North Africa, the French government must act forcefully if it wants to gain a stronger voice in post-Gaddafi Libya.
Maximize its own interests in Middle East
Due to the strategic interests in the Middle East, France has continually made every effort to increase its influence in the region. With the outbreak of the conflicts in Libya, and while unrest continues to sweep the Arab world, there exists great uncertainty for the future of the Middle East.
France's high-profile intervention into Libya's political development obviously serves its own interest and is its best option if it wants to gain a seat in the future political structure of the Middle East.
The author is a researcher and senior editor with the International Affairs Research Center of Xinhua News Agency.
(This article was written in Chinese and translated by Ma Yujia.)
Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn.
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