France targets Azerbaijan, but hits Israel Article by The Jewish Press

The American newspaper The Jewish Press published an article by Israeli journalist Rachel Abraham on France's destabilizing role in the South Caucasus and the Middle East. Caliber.Az offers its readers an analysed version of the article.

France’s role in the South Caucasus conflict

One of the primary sources of tension in the region is the persistent involvement of non-regional actors in local disputes. Azerbaijan and Georgia have repeatedly advocated for a regional cooperation mechanism, arguing that excessive external interference fuels instability rather than resolving conflicts. France, in particular, has positioned itself as a staunch supporter of Armenia, a stance that has intensified since the 2020 Karabakh war.

Azerbaijan perceives France’s engagement as biased and counterproductive. French diplomatic efforts and media narratives consistently frame Azerbaijan as an aggressor while portraying Armenia as a victim. This selective portrayal undermines genuine peace efforts by reinforcing divisions and emboldening Armenian factions that oppose reconciliation. Moreover, France's position risks alienating Azerbaijan—a country with strategic importance for Europe’s energy security and regional stability.

The French narrative and its consequences

France's approach extends beyond mere diplomatic rhetoric. The country’s political establishment has increasingly embraced an anti-Azerbaijani stance, with some French legislators even accusing Azerbaijan of destabilizing France itself. This narrative appears to serve domestic political interests, providing a scapegoat for France’s broader diplomatic and managerial shortcomings.

The implications of this policy are far-reaching. France’s efforts to tarnish Azerbaijan’s reputation within Europe could hinder the latter’s economic partnerships and energy collaborations with European states. This strategy not only threatens Azerbaijan’s interests but also negatively impacts broader European energy security, given Azerbaijan’s role as a key gas supplier.

France’s double standards in the Middle East

France’s foreign policy contradictions extend beyond the Caucasus. Its handling of the October 7 Hamas attack and the subsequent Israeli military response highlights a pattern of selective criticism. While France condemned the initial attack, its subsequent calls for Israeli restraint and support for International Criminal Court investigations suggest an inconsistent approach to regional conflicts. This pattern mirrors France’s treatment of Azerbaijan—where one-sided narratives obscure a more complex reality.

Israel and Azerbaijan share strong diplomatic and economic ties, particularly in defense and energy sectors. France’s antagonistic posture toward both nations appears counterintuitive, especially considering that Azerbaijan represents a pro-Western force in a strategically vital region. By undermining Azerbaijan, France not only weakens a key European energy partner but also indirectly harms Israel’s regional standing.

The EU’s complicity and EUMA’s role

France’s influence extends into EU institutions, particularly in the European Union Monitoring Mission in Armenia (EUMA). Officially tasked with monitoring the Armenia-Azerbaijan border, EUMA’s operations have raised concerns about impartiality. Azerbaijan views the mission as an extension of French interests, potentially emboldening Armenian hardliners who reject peace agreements.

The EU’s broader approach to the Caucasus also reflects contradictions. While maintaining robust trade ties with Azerbaijan, Brussels has displayed a pro-Armenian tilt in diplomatic engagements. This discrepancy undermines the EU’s credibility as a neutral mediator and risks entrenching existing hostilities rather than fostering constructive dialogue.

Conclusion

France’s role in the South Caucasus appears driven by geopolitical opportunism rather than genuine conflict resolution. By backing Armenia unconditionally, Paris risks exacerbating tensions rather than promoting stability. Its actions not only endanger Azerbaijan’s European integration prospects but also challenge broader regional peace efforts.

Ultimately, if sustainable peace is to be achieved in the South Caucasus, external actors must adopt a more balanced approach—one that respects the agency of regional players rather than imposing external agendas. France’s current trajectory, however, suggests that it remains more interested in leveraging regional conflicts for its own strategic ambitions rather than contributing to genuine conflict resolution.