After Bold Step on Syria, French Leader Finds Himself Dismissed as Lackey

[jsr]

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/09/world/europe/after-bold-step-on-syria-french-leader-finds-himself-dismissed-as-lackey.html

After Bold Step on Syria, French Leader Finds Himself Dismissed as Lackey
By SUZANNE DALEY

PARIS — As portrayed in a satirical television show here this week, President François Hollande is left behind to hold President Obama’s coat while the American leader and President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia hold private talks. Mr. Hollande gullibly concludes he is playing a key role.

Later in the show, “Les Guignols de L’Info,” a rough French equivalent of Jon Stewart’s “The Daily Show,” Mr. Hollande is seen interrupting a visit to a school to ask Mr. Obama’s permission to use the bathroom.

If Mr. Hollande ever thought that his decision to stand steadfast alongside the United States in backing a retaliatory strike against Syria would give him new stature on the global stage or help him at home, the last week has been a sharp shock.

Public opinion is running strongly against him; a poll published this weekend in the conservative daily newspaper Le Figaro showed about two-thirds of the French opposed to military action against Syria. There are growing demands that he grant Parliament a vote on the matter, and considerable speculation that he could lose if he did.

[David__77]

1. That would be great if France pulled another rug out from under the war party.

I guess it could be all about the US's wonderful ally Saudi Arabia.

[Thinkingabout]

2. You know, we talk and talk about taking or not taking action in Syria, the real point is

We should not have to have this conversation. Conditions beyond our control has set the stage and we are dwelling on this. Instead of blaming the US or any other country for this shameful act the blame needs to be directed to the guilty parties. US and Russia are trying to talk, lets call up the guilty parties to answer why they felt the need to kill with chemical weapons.