Macron’s Middle East maneuvering: Profit over principles Article by JNS

The article from Israel-based Jewish News Syndicate, by Joseph Epstein, presents a critical analysis of France's role in the Middle East under President Emmanuel Macron, accusing him of hypocrisy and opportunism in his foreign policy. Caliber.Az offers its readers a modestly modified version of the article.

The article argues that Macron's actions often appear to serve France's national interests, disguised under the rhetoric of promoting international values. The author highlights several key areas of concern regarding France’s involvement in the region, which are perceived as inconsistent with its stated principles.

Key points include Macron's dealings with Iran and Hezbollah. The article suggests that Macron has aligned himself with Iran when it benefits France, citing France's support for the Iran nuclear deal and Macron's alleged secret deal with Hezbollah to rebuild the port of Beirut after the deadly 2020 explosion. The author argues that France’s policies often serve its economic interests, such as securing lucrative contracts, rather than adhering to its proclaimed values of human rights and peace.

Macron's policies in Lebanon and his stance on ceasefire agreements with Hezbollah are also criticized for seemingly aligning with Iranian interests. The article further critiques France’s role in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, where Macron is portrayed as hypocritically calling for a weapons embargo on Israel for human rights violations while allowing French-made weapons to be used by Iran and Myanmar in suppressing protests and committing war crimes.

The article also brings up allegations of corruption within Macron's administration, which the author suggests further taints both his domestic and foreign policies. Macron's government is accused of fostering corrupt relationships with companies like Uber and McKinsey, alongside various other scandals involving his officials.

In conclusion, the article argues that Macron's foreign policy is driven by selfish interests, rather than genuine commitments to peace or human rights. It suggests that France's involvement in the Middle East peace process is more about self-serving strategies than a genuine desire for stability, and proposes that the region would be better off if France stepped back from these efforts.

Joseph Epstein is the director of research at the Endowment for Middle East Truth.