Monday, August 21, 2006
The Success of French Diplomacy
Matthew Yglesias argues for recognizing the brillance of French diplomacy in ending the war in Lebanon.
As far as I can tell this analysis is true. Which is why the security council resolution worked, both sides wanted an end to the fight but needed some political cover to achieve it.
Of course, this does not resolve the conflict and it will probably destroy the Olmert government in Israel.
In essence, through two consecutive bait-and-switches -- first over the wording of a UN resolution, and second over the deployment of French troops to Lebanon -- France managed to get both parties to agree to a return to the status quo ante, which is better for both sides (that's why the tricks worked), but that neither side could admit to wanting. That's a pretty good result, especially considering that Chirac spent essentially none of France's resources achieving it.
As far as I can tell this analysis is true. Which is why the security council resolution worked, both sides wanted an end to the fight but needed some political cover to achieve it.
Of course, this does not resolve the conflict and it will probably destroy the Olmert government in Israel.
