August 18, 2006

France Surrenders Before Going into Lebanon

When the Israel-Hezbollah War starts again I'm blaming France:

France on Thursday rebuffed pleas by U.N. officials to make a major contribution to a peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon, setting back efforts to deploy an international military force to help police a cease-fire between Israel and Hezbollah, according to U.N. and French officials.

French President Jacques Chirac said Thursday that France would contribute only 200 additional troops to the U.N. operation in southern Lebanon, which the Security Council wants to expand from 2,000 troops to 15,000. Chirac said that a force of about 1,700 French troops and crew members on warships off the coast would provide logistical support.

France was a prime mover on the U.N. Security Council to send in 15,000 troops to bolster the Lebanese army. Yet, when push comes to shove the French run away like--well--the French.

But wait! There's more!

Chirac also told Annan that "France was prepared to assume command" of the bolstered U.N. force, according to the statement.

Wow. France is willing to order around the international force but not to risk their own rears.

France had a moment to step up to the plate and show the world they could still be a world player. They're failing like--well--the French.

"France Declines to Contribute Major Force for U.N. Mission" [via QandO]

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