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French are Alone in Mali; Allies in Hiding Behind U.S., U.K. Inaction (Le Figaro, France)

"If America had entered the dance, the situation would have been completely different, especially in London. But Barack Obama doesn't want to engage the United States in a new war. His arm had to be twisted over Libya, and it won't happen again. The result: many countries that generally align with Washington found in its total absence of 'leadership' one more reason to do nothing."

By Pierre Rousselin

Translated By Nicolas Dagher

February 1, 2013

France - Le Figaro - Original Article (French)

Prime Minister David Cameron calls for a referendum on whether Britain should stay in the European Union, sending a shudder through the E.U. France can expect little help from Cameron with their campaign in Mali. EUXTV VIDEO, E.U. TV: British Prime Minister Cameron speaks on Britain and Europe; calls for referendum on E.U. membership, January 23, 00:37:04

It is unjust to reproach France for going it alone to fight the jihadists in Mali. Critics alleging an ill prepared operation and inadequate efforts to obtain international support appear to betray a misunderstanding of the international reality. The indifference to threats we confront and the abandonment of any will to resist them is rather disquieting.

Everyone verbally supports French intervention, which is close to being unassailable from the point of view of international legality. That said, concrete offers of aid are being kept to a bare minimum. For most of our allies, the war is being run by France. It is not their affair.

The height of cynicism was achieved this week, during celebrations of the 50th anniversary of the Élysée Treaty, the foundation of French-German reconciliation. Angela Merkel and other German officials stressed how France is courageously defending the interests of Europe. Sincere thanks were offered to our armed forces. But the chancellor and other officials clearly excluded the possibility of taking any political risk to support a military operation is considers so essential.

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This attitude is very German. It can be explained by the past and the well anchored refusal of the population to pursuing any military adventure. The concept of a parliamentary army requires that the Bundestag be consulted before any deployment of the German Army. That was the case for Kosovo and for Afghanistan. But Africa is a another affair.

Berlin's euro crisis ascendency in Europe incited every country to hide behind German refusal to do nothing. One cannot both demand that European countries tighten their belts and, at the same time, fight jihadists ...

Do not count on Great Britain, the second military power in Europe, which shared the direction of operations in Libya with France. The United Kingdom of David Cameron is in full retreat, which was shown by the speech in which the prime minister proposed a referendum on the country's membership in the European Union. [watch in photo box].

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If the United States had entered the dance, the situation would have been completely different, especially in London. But Barack Obama doesn't want to engage the United States in a new war. His arm had to be twisted over Libya, and it won't happen again. The result: many countries that generally align with Washington found in its total absence of leadership one more reason to do nothing.

This is not an encouraging report. The risk is that Europe's astonishing passivity and our own isolation will be prolonged.

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Posted By Worldmeets.US Feb. 1, 2013 , 4:25am