France and a Change in Strategy
Several days have passed since the explosions in France but there are different speculations and analyses about these incidents. The ISIS terrorist group has accepted the responsibility of these attacks and Francois Hollande has asked the parliament to extend the emergency situation for the next three months. In his speech in parliament, Hollande has talked about changing the constitution and the destruction of ISIS. All these indicate that not only is France in a state of shock but is also very fearful and concerned. France, as a country which is the cradle of democracy and committed to civil rights values, is now ignoring these rights by implementing the emergency situation and, due to its fear of the future. France’s security institutions attempt to find out whether ISIS was the real planner of these attacks or not. Mr. Hollande has also pointed out that these attacks were designed outside the country. Apparently these incidents were planned by someone who resided in Belgium and was with ISIS in Syria.
It is not clear yet where and how these attacks were planned. There are some reports indicating that the Zionist media were informed of these attacks. On the other hand, ISIS’ spiritual father, Saudi Arabia, cannot completely draw itself back from these incidents. What decision France will make or where it will lead to depends on its analysis of the developments in Syria and also the balance of power in this country. France’s National Front seeks to impose more severe regulations on the immigrants and their residency and travels. Sarkozy and his friends have presented some proposals with regard to France’s foreign policy along the lines of more cooperation with Russia and talks with Iran.
Europe and France are passing through difficult times, especially when Mr. Obama will leave office in 15 months and is not interested in getting more involved in Syria. Obama prefers to leave the ball in the court of the next president, thus, he will not accompany Europe in all aspects. The calm and secure Europe is now faced with three problems of insecurity, immigration and economic depression. France, along with Germany, as the motivating motor of the European Union, is at a crossroads in defeating this serious and deep crisis which some compare with the September 11 attacks in the US. They do not know whether they should cooperate with Russia and Iran in order to destroy ISIS or, as in the past, simultaneously oppose the legal government of Bashar Assad and terrorist groups. In less than one year, France has experienced two terrorist attacks. Beautiful Paris and attractive France will not tolerate similar incidents.
Time will show which path France will take. But if the remarks and threats of Mr. Hollande in the French Parliament are really the new strategy of the French officials, it should be expected that France’s cooperation with Russia and Iran will intensify even if this cooperation is a tactical measure by French politicians.