France’s role in Lebanon called into question

Mishari Al-Dhaidi argues Paris is overplaying its hand to compensate for declining regional influence.

Writing in Asharq Al-Awsat, Mishari Al-Dhaidi delivers a scathing critique of France’s involvement in Lebanon, suggesting Paris is exaggerating its importance to offset its waning influence in the Middle East. He contends that France exploits its historical ties with Lebanon to justify meddling in its internal affairs.

However, Al-Dhaidi questions whether President Emmanuel Macron possesses the political acumen and advantageous circumstances of his predecessor, Jacques Chirac, or the leverage afforded by France’s colonial past.

Al-Dhaidi accuses Macron of seeking to “politically rehabilitate Hizbollah” and dismisses France as a mere “bit player” on the Lebanese political stage. He asserts that the true power brokers are the United States internationally, and Israel and Iran regionally.

Citing a recent book by French journalists which alleges a “secret deal” between France and Hizbollah, Al-Dhaidi suggests that Macron may be turning a blind eye to the group’s weapons in exchange for securing a lucrative port reconstruction contract for a French company.

While cautioning against fully accepting this claim, Al-Dhaidi notes Macron’s repeated attempts to bolster Hizbollah’s political standing and his departure from the American stance on Iran’s regional activities.

Al-Dhaidi concludes his article by arguing that all actors involved in Lebanon, both domestic and foreign, are operating with deeply compromised motives and questionable ethics.