Middle East Research and Information Project: Fareed Mohamedi Roger Diwan MER193
Middle East Research and Information Project: Fareed Mohamedi Roger Diwan MER193
Middle East Research and Information Project: Fareed Mohamedi Roger Diwan MER193
2017 The Saudis, the French and the Embargo | Middle East Research and Information Project
http://www.merip.org/mer/mer193/saudis-french-embargo 1/2
2.12.2017 The Saudis, the French and the Embargo | Middle East Research and Information Project
It is, however, simplistic to see French policy as dictated by purely economic advantage. Longer term geopolitical concerns underlie their
approach. France perceives Islamic fundamentalism as the main threat to its interests in the Middle East and North Africa, and fears
above all the breakup of Iraq, of which Iran would be the main beneficiary. Moreover, French policymakers maintain, Saddam Hussein can
be monitored and controlled even with economic sanctions lifted. Easing the embargo on Iraqi exports fits all these concerns, and Paris is
worried enough to make its voice heard.
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