Overview for france

One Continent, Under France and Germany

Looks like the EU has found an alternative to German domination of everybody else. It's French-German domination of everybody else . The grand "deal" announced earlier this week has something for both France and Germany. For the Germans, France will temporarily stop talking about eurobonds and …

Written by Jeff Cimbalo on Wednesday December 7, 2011

An American Soldier in Paris

My French hosts took me out for a special meal at lunchtime. The gent sitting next to me was explaining the specials, written on a chalkboard; "And zis wan ees le poullet - zee chicken - served weeth zee pommes de terre wheech ees zee patoto - and zees wan is le bif-thtek served weeth le …

Written by Sean Linnane on Sunday October 23, 2011

French Prayer Ban Has Popular Support

On Friday, September 16 th , the French government banned Muslim street prayers in its most recent attempt to curb what many French citizens believe to be the ousting of traditional French culture and traditions by Muslim immigrants. Marine Le Pen, leader of the far-right Front National …

Written by Rachel Ryan on Wednesday September 21, 2011

France's Immigration Trauma

The French government has enacted a new law , which many in France hope will end the “occupation” of the streets by Muslims who conduct street prayers. The issue of street prayers in France has been a contested. Given their strong secular commitments, it is no surprise that many French are …

Written by Robin Tim Weis on Wednesday September 21, 2011

Sarko Taxes His Way to "Credibility"

On August 24th, in an attempt to stave off a possible downgrade of France’s Triple-A credit rating, President Nicolas Sarkozy announced a deficit reduction plan for 2011 and 2012. The proposed austerity measures counteract his previous reform efforts to spur economic competition. French …

Written by Rachel Ryan on Monday August 29, 2011

Is Strauss-Kahn Set for a Comeback?

If the case against Dominique Strauss-Kahn collapses under the weight of his accuser's reportedly increasing non-credibility, does the way open up for a presidential bid? If the case against Dominique Strauss-Kahn collapses under the weight of his accuser's reportedly increasing non-credibi…

Written by David Frum on Friday July 1, 2011

Socialists Can't Escape Strauss-Kahn Fallout

If Dominique Strauss-Kahn's arrest on sexual assault charges drags on, it will be a daily embarrassment for the Socialists. IMF head Dominique Strauss-Kahn's arrest is quite a shock for the French political class and public. Strauss-Kahn is often perceived as arrogant; he’s certainly not someone …

Written by Jean Granville on Monday May 16, 2011

Sex Assault Charge Shocks France's Socialists

IMF head Dominique Strauss-Kahn’s arrest for sexual assault pretty much puts an end to his candidacy for 2012 and has thrown the Socialist party into turmoil. IMF head Dominique Strauss-Kahn’s arrest for sexual assault pretty much puts an end to his candidacy for 2012, and possibly to his career …

Written by Jean Granville on Sunday May 15, 2011

Mitterrand's Disastrous Legacy

Thirty years ago this week, François Mitterrand's victory ushered in a period of Socialist policies which France is still struggling to undo. Thirty years ago this week, on May 10th 1981, François Mitterrand was elected president of France. For French socialists, it’s an event to be commemorated. …

Written by Jean Granville on Wednesday May 11, 2011

Did Iran Kidnap Dissident in Paris?

Earlier this week, an Israeli news agency reported that Iranian agents had kidnapped a dissident student from Paris. But there's been little coverage in the French press. It seems that Iranian agents may have kidnapped a dissident in Paris and taken him to Tehran a few days ago. While there are …

Written by Jean Granville on Wednesday May 4, 2011

How Bernard-Henri Lévy Started the Libyan War

The biggest push for Sarkozy's decision to intervene in Libya may have come from left-wing celebrity philosopher Bernard-Henri Levy. This weekend’s Financial Times contains a revealing article detailing French President Nicolas Sarkozy’s recent unilateral decision to grant diplomatic recognition …

Written by Ulf Gartzke on Sunday March 27, 2011

France's Grudge Match with Qaddafi

Don't be surprised by Sarkozy’s leadership of the intervention in Libya. For years, France has been champing at the bit to send Qaddafi packing. Many commentators seem surprised by France’s enthusiastic leadership of the intervention in Libya. They should not be. It arguably makes perfect sense …

Written by Jonathan Foreman on Monday March 21, 2011

Is Sarko's Libya Response a Domestic Power Play?

Sarkozy has received praise for recognizing Libya's opposition. But the move may have been made with domestic political concerns in mind. French President Nicolas Sarkozy's recognition of the Libyan opposition as the new legitimate government has received much attention. However, the decision may …

Written by Jean Granville on Friday March 11, 2011

France’s Far Right Gets a New Face

Jean Marie Le Pen’s tenure as head of the far right French National Front party is coming to an end. Can his daughter help the party break into the mainstream? Jean Marie Le Pen’s legacy as head of the far right French National Front party is slowly coming to an end. The old, flamboyant and …

Written by Robin Tim Weis on Sunday March 6, 2011

Obama Heads for Foreign Policy Disaster

Despite the domestic focus of these early months of his presidency, Barack Obama thinks of himself as a foreign policy thinker above all, according to those who know him best. His confidence is undiminished by his lack of experience and credentials, and that confidence continues to flourish despite …

Written by David Frum on Thursday September 17, 2009