One for Gaddafi

[Terpe]

What has surprised me this time is the French stance, they were at the forefront calling for a No Fly Zone and also launched the first wave of bombings. In recent times, the French have stood back when military action has been called for. Does this new approach have anything to do with Total and Elf having major operations in Northern Africa and the Sahara region?

The manner of their action and speedy response also surprised me.

[Arthur Little]

The manner of their action and speedy response also surprised me.

And me, ... as Ian points out, the French - in recent "historic" times - ain't exactly been quick off the mark to to the defence of other nations in dire straits!!

[Englishman2010]

And me, ... as Ian points out, the French - in recent "historic" times - ain't exactly been quick off the mark to to the defence of other nations in dire straits!!

There are a lot of politics at work here, and most of which won't be made public to us. However, the French have always had very close ties with the Christians in The Lebanon. The UN resolution was jointly sponsored by the Lebanese, French and British. It makes me wonder what the French have asked the Lebanese for or vice versa? The French have also had strong ties with Northern and Western Africa and the Sahara region. I think there is definitely a greater French objective at work here