The French connection
It is possible that Hariri’s trip to Paris could help defuse tensions in the region

The French connection
It is possible that Hariri’s trip to Paris could help defuse tensions in the region. Lebanon’s president, Michel Aoun, seems to think that the prime minister’s sojourn would signal an end to the crisis. Perhaps it would. However, in a statement Aoun cautioned that Hariri would still have to officially hand over his resignation in Lebanon and remain there until such time that a new government is installed. Perhaps Hariri will provide more details about the threats he faces to his life — presumably at the hands of a militant group.
By enticing Hariri to Paris, France can now reap the fruits of its new diplomatic doctrine in the Middle East. The initiative is welcome because it offers a more balanced position between two leading regional players, Saudi Arabia and Iran. And the French leader is probably relishing the role.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 19th, 2017.
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