Palestine the Key to Global Comeback for France

PI: The proximity talks between Israel and the Palestinian Authority (PA) have been jeopardized by the possible resumption of construction of settlements in the West Bank. The US and the European Union are trying to save the negotiations. The visit made by Spanish and French foreign ministers to Israel this week led to the re-involvement of the Middle East Quartet (the U.S., the United Nations, the EU, and Russia) which consequently prompted a meeting between Blair and Sarkozy.

IRD: France shows itself to be an enthusiastic actor in Middle East Peace Process. Is it following any specific goal?

PI: Paris needs to reinstate itself as a global power, and such occasions are the best diplomatic opportunities to do so. Sarkozy wants to cement his country’s position in the EU by taking part in major global developments.

IRD: How effective can the EU’s engagement in the Middle East Peace Process be? Could likely pressure by Europe prompt the resumption of negotiations?

PI: I don’t think the European Union can be influential. Unlike the United States, it lacks the muscle to pressure Israel. The Europeans are basically trying to take advantage of the present impasse and reclaim their position of power. But such efforts will fail, as Israel rarely budges to the EU’s demands.

IRD: Could there be any connection between Sarkozy’s sudden interest in the peace talks and the recent demonstrations in France?

PI: I don’t see any such relation. Foreign policy is not the basic issue for ordinary French citizens. Financial concerns and other daily challenges have a higher priority. Europeans, especially French citizens, mostly think of the economy and their purchasing power when they go to the polls. Foreign affairs come into the foreground only when they inflict upon them a heavy economic price, or jeopardize the lives of their citizens.

Pirouz Izadi is an analyst on EU affairs.