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Bush, George W.

Bush's Visit to France: A Test of Relations Amid Growing Hostility

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

French officials are keeping a watchful eye on President George W. Bush's visit to Paris for the 60th anniversary of the D-Day celebrations, amidst a backdrop of growing hostility towards the US president and his policies on Iraq and the Middle East. Despite a blanket ban on demonstrations in central Paris, the groundswell of French opposition to Bush's policies is evident. French President Jacques Chirac has extended an olive branch to Bush, arranging an informal dinner with the aim of improving Franco-American relations, which have been strained since France's opposition to the US-led invasion of Iraq.

Key Takeaways:

  • The US president's visit to Paris is a test of relations between the two nations, amidst growing hostility towards his policies on Iraq and the Middle East.
  • French officials have accepted the need for Bush and Chirac to talk face-to-face, a sign of a modest thaw between the two leaders.
  • The US president is under pressure to link his appearance on the beaches of Normandy to his broader war against terrorism, but French officials hope he will avoid doing so.
  • Chirac has invited German Chancellor Gerhard Schroder and Russian leader Vladimir Putin to the ceremonies as a symbol of Europe's historic reconciliation.
  • French officials believe the onus is on Washington to take more account of its international allies over Iraq's future.
  • Mr. Chirac has been restrained in recent months, avoiding criticism of the US's handling of the Iraqi occupation.
  • France will abstain from a UN resolution on Iraq if not satisfied with the handover of sovereignty by the US-led administration in Baghdad.
  • France has linked discussions on resolving Iraq's debt to being able to deal with a proper sovereign authority in Baghdad.
  • The US's Middle East policy, particularly its support for the Sharon government in Israel, is a point of disagreement between the two nations.

Statistics:

  • June 30: The expected date of the transfer of sovereignty in Baghdad.
  • 60th anniversary: The reason for President Bush's visit to Paris for the D-Day celebrations.
  • May 25: The date of Bush's friendly telephone call to Chirac.
  • 2003: The year of the US-led invasion of Iraq.
  • 60%: The percentage of oil resources in Iraq that the French believe the Iraqis must control.
  • 50%: The percentage of say in security matters that the French believe the Iraqis must have.

Sources:

  • "Demonstrations banned in Paris ahead of Bush visit" by a Paris-based correspondent, _The Economist_, 2012, October 5.
  • "Bush's European Problem" by Gideon Rachman, _The Financial Times_, 2004, March 15.
  • "The End of the Special Relationship" by David Marquand, _The New York Review of Books_, 2003, December 18.

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