Are the French doing enough in Lebanon?

Question

I know they are doing the dangerous work of demining and are also bringing along many vehicles, perhaps vehicles they intend to share with others in the 15,000 strong total peacekeeping force, but how can they be one of the leaders in trying to get the ceasefire and the subsequent Security Council Resolution(s) to bring a lasting peace and offer 200 troops? They're not evencoming all at once.

I don't hate the French. I make an effort to be fair or indifferent toward them and their nation, but this is so hard to not see as blatantly asinine. I don't know France's reasons, maybe I could agree with them, but how does one justify being so involved in the push for peace yet short change committing to it?

I can't wrap my brain around this.

Which countries have offered or implied possible contribution?

In fairness, I'm not sure they made any promises like that. I heard it was expected.

Answer 1

I don't know the answer, so why am I trying to answer it? I think there is value in making the effort. I think it might be a result of the unclearness (is that a word?) of the situation. Most agree that there should be a cease-fire. The cease-fire was conditional on creating a sustained peace. Now there is a general scrambling to put a combined force in place to sustain the peace. But this force has to work with a country (Lebanon) that is depending on another country (Iran) for its restoration. And that country (Iran) is giving its aid through a terrorist force (Hezbollah) occupying Lebanon. This gives Hezbollah all the power and popular support. Now, who do the in-coming forces deal with? And what is their mandate? The Lebonese army and the Lebanese government are showing signs of supporting Hezbollah. What if Hezbollah attacks Israel again? Who will crack down on Hezbollah?

Answer 2

The French are very cautious in doing things in Lebanon because they do not want to piss off Iran. That could stop the oil and cash from heading their way. It has been over 150 years since France was much more than a mole the the surface of the earth. In Chirac's feeble mind France is a major power when in reality they could not handle the Algerians or Viet Namese so they had to abandon those colonies. Now they are faced with the Muslim problem at home and do not want to stir them up.
The entire cease fire will crumble within a few weeks because the world was dumb enough to Believe France could do something besides talk.

Answer 3

first of all; there are already 1500 french soldiers overthere, with 200 more coming. And we still have many in Kosovo, Afghanistan or Ivory Coast. and our army is only 150.000 people.

Then, why don't you go overthere yourselves?
US didn't sent EVEN 1 SOLDIER , so what are you complaining bout?

I agree with RobertoDuran, an UN location has been bombed couple of weeks ago. After that how can you expect int'l soldiers to come?

My younger brother is in the army, and I don't see what we have to do in Lebanon, we don't have to clean the hell others came put overthere;
Remember we have troops doing the dirty job Us Army left in Afghanistan and Kosovo. If Us army is strong for bombing at 10000ft high, on the ground it ain't the same story..... That's why, after they all destroyed, they always call for int'l support.... what a strange behavior for a so called 1st power in the world., why does it need smaller countries' help?

what do you expect us to do? do it yourself, if you're not happy.

to "newbie": you have a clear mind and good analyse, but did Us army better in Vietnam? I'm not remembering so.....

Answer 4

Why should the french come and clean the mess the Israelis left behind. Who gives the warantty that a F16 missile won't hit their barracks as it happened a few weeks ago with the UN forces.

Answer 5

The French never do enough even when Germany invades them. They backed out of sending a large force to Lebanon after promising thousands.

Answer 6

why should french men die because the lebs are too childish to stop fighting,it depends on the political cost, financial cost and military capability
at the end of the day it isn't their problem, the lebos could have solved this by themselves

Answer 7

No . i believe that french can not do any thing for lebanon . ONLY CONTROL the people in it ... if you return to history you know......

Answer 8

they are doing wonderfull work, ain't they

Answer 9

No.