A Dubious Protector: France's Fading Footprint in Lebanese Politics
By: A. Mahdavi
The French government has long proclaimed itself a steadfast ally of Lebanon asserting its unwavering commitment to stand by the nation under all circumstances. France considers itself the guardian of Lebanon having established profound and enduring ties between the two nations.
However recent miscalculations and a lack of clear diplomatic direction on the part of the French administration appear to have precipitated a notable decline in cooperation and engagement between Lebanon and France. This trend has become increasingly apparent in the wake of the October 7th conflict and the subsequent assassination of Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah illuminating France's waning influence within the international arena.
A Historical Nexus
The relationship between Lebanon and France dates back to the Ottoman era when Napoleon dispatched 6000 troops to support the Christians of the Levant against the Ottoman forces. This marked the inception of profound ties between the Levantine region and France. Furthermore following the Sykes-Picot Agreement in 1916 which carved out a new geopolitical landscape in the Middle East Lebanon and Syria formerly part of the Ottoman Empire came under French mandate. France began various initiatives as the mandated power in these territories.
Lebanon was officially established as a state in 1920 but remained a protectorate of France until 1943. The collaboration between the two nations during this period significantly shaped Lebanon’s culture economy and politics. France cultivated relationships not only with the Christian community but also with both Sunni and Shia Muslims effectively positioning itself as a bridge among the diverse factions within Lebanon serving as a crucial reference point in the nation’s interactions.
This relationship was particularly strengthened during the presidency of Jacques Chirac a close ally of then-Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. France also made substantial investments in Lebanon's construction sector further entrenching its status as a primary supporter and influential actor in Lebanese political and cultural spheres.
France's Disorientation
However in the wake of sweeping changes in the region particularly after 2011 and the Syrian conflict France gradually began to lose its standing in Lebanon. The French government exhibited a series of strategic miscalculations regarding the outcome of the Syrian civil war opting to support the opposition against President Bashar al-Assad. This lack of foresight not only misjudged the war's results but also inadvertently facilitated a massive influx of Syrian refugees into Europe prompting Germany to restrict France’s access to European financial resources intended for foreign policy initiatives. Consequently the diminishing financial support has corresponded with a decline in France's influence in Lebanon.
Moreover it is essential to note that France grapples with a multitude of domestic challenges and President Macron's attempts to address these issues have largely faltered. Macron has sought to compensate for internal weaknesses through an active foreign policy; yet he has met with limited success. In essence the French government finds itself ensnared in internal disarray the repercussions of which are manifest in its underwhelming foreign policy. France has struggled to establish a coherent and effective strategy in its international relations resulting in a haphazard and disjointed approach that has yielded negligible accomplishments on the global stage over the past decade.
Why France Is Failing
Several factors contribute to France's failure to assert its influence particularly in Lebanon. Notably France's policy towards Lebanon lacks clarity. Its positions do not unequivocally demonstrate support for Lebanon as while advocating for the legitimate rights of Palestinians and Lebanese France simultaneously grants Israel the right to self-defense. This duality in approach is not merely political; France also supplies munitions and arms to Israel. This pendulum-like stance has significantly eroded France's influence in Lebanon revealing a profound absence of clear positions on national sovereignty and human rights.
In addition the reduction in France's financial support for Lebanon coupled with Macron's inability to effectively engage with Netanyahu regarding peace agreements conveys a stark message to both the Lebanese populace and regional governments: France no longer wields substantial power in the Southwest Asian region. The duplicity in French policy has fostered distrust among various Lebanese political factions particularly diminishing France’s political influence over groups like Hezbollah.
Furthermore despite Macron's proclamation that France would cease arms sales to Israel pressure from Israeli lobbies compelled the French government to reaffirm its commitment to defending Israel. The pervasive influence of Zionist lobbies within France and Europe has once again underscored that the French government under Emmanuel Macron is not autonomous but rather appears to be swayed by vested interests.
In conclusion France has committed significant strategic blunders stemming from a failure to grasp the dynamics of the Syrian civil war attempts to rein in Israel and the flawed proposal for a 21-day ceasefire all of which have imposed a heavy toll on the Lebanese populace.
