The French President's risky game in the Middle East.

France is not the only NATO member in Europe to increase its direct military presence in the Middle East and the Gulf region, but it has done so most significantly.

French President Emmanuel Macron's strategy is to significantly increase France's military presence in the region, to an unprecedented degree, but to avoid becoming a direct combatant. It also involves cooperating with US President Donald Trump to the necessary extent, while maintaining maximum political distance between the two countries. Macron not only desires this but is compelled to do so.

French President Emmanuel Macron (center) presides over a meeting.

Photo: Reuters

The Iran conflict currently dominates world politics and is a power struggle over military strength, political roles, and influence in the world and the region. Macron wants France to have a foothold and a part in this, rather than remaining on the sidelines. Only by strengthening its direct military presence in the region without being drawn into the conflict can France seize the opportunity to demonstrate its military strength and potential while simultaneously building a diplomatic role for a peaceful political solution.

To be recognized as a world power in the modern world, France needs to be recognized as a world military power. Macron failed to achieve this goal in the Ukraine conflict or the Gaza Strip conflict, but he may succeed in the war in Iran.

On the other hand, Macron is compelled to strengthen France's direct military presence in the Middle East and the Gulf region, as Paris must always be ready to rescue nearly 400,000 French citizens currently in the area. This also involves fulfilling obligations under several military and defense cooperation agreements signed with Qatar, Kuwait, and the UAE, as well as ensuring the safe passage of French ships through the Strait of Hormuz. This game is crucial for France but is not easy and is fraught with risks for Macron.

A senior security official in Trump's team resigned over opposition to a war against Iran.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/cuoc-choi-rui-ro-cua-tong-thong-phap-o-trung-dong-185260317223714535.htm