President Macron in Beirut on Aug. 6, 2020. (Credit: X)
Following Israel's double assassination of Fouad Shukur and Ismail Haniyeh, two prominent figures in the "resistance" camp, Western and Arab diplomacy quickly mobilized to address the situation and prevent a regional explosion that could engulf Lebanon. The influx of diplomats, notably British, sent to Beirut for the second time since the Gaza war began, signaled international concern over Iran and Hezbollah's promise of retaliation. However, France, seen as the primary interlocutor in Lebanon, seems to be lagging this time. The image of President Emmanuel Macron rushing to assist the Lebanese two days after the twin explosions at the Beirut port on Aug. 4, 2020, and then again three weeks later to launch a political reform initiative, now seems distant. "One could indeed speak of lethargy in French foreign policy," said Karim Mufti, a...
Following Israel's double assassination of Fouad Shukur and Ismail Haniyeh, two prominent figures in the "resistance" camp, Western and Arab diplomacy quickly mobilized to address the situation and prevent a regional explosion that could engulf Lebanon. The influx of diplomats, notably British, sent to Beirut for the second time since the Gaza war began, signaled international concern over Iran and Hezbollah's promise of retaliation. However, France, seen as the primary interlocutor in Lebanon, seems to be lagging this time. The image of President Emmanuel Macron rushing to assist the Lebanese two days after the twin explosions at the Beirut port on Aug. 4, 2020, and then again three weeks later to launch a political reform initiative, now seems distant. "One could indeed speak of lethargy in French foreign policy," said Karim Mufti, a...
Humanitarian convoy reaches Rmeish, Ain Ibl, Dibil despite obstacles
