2011-03-22 15:17

FRENCH GAIN OR LOSS PENDING IN LIBYA

Following the air strikes in Libya launched by coalition forces, casualties were reported by the press. As French soldiers continue their mission in Afghanistan, how France will fare during the foreign military intervention in Libya remains to be seen.

An online survey of 200,000 French people showed 52 percent feared the intervention could turn Libya into a dangerous mire like Iraq or Afghanistan, while 45 percent thought otherwise.

It is hard to predict whether the military strikes can topple Gadhafi, said Barah Mikail, a researcher on North Africa and Middle East at the Paris-based Institute for International and Strategic Relations.

The situation in Libya is very complicated, and the risk is in a state that is probably deteriorating, Mikail said.

Military actions entail risk, according to an article published Monday in Le Tribune. The article warned that any invasion on Libyan territory could have disastrous consequences for France and beyond.

Excluding plans of killing Gadhafi, the French Defense Ministry repeatedly said the French operation remained within the limits of the UN resolution and only opened fire Saturday.

As concerns mount in the French media, France has to tread carefully to avoid any error. In order to fully concentrate on the Libya issue, Sarkozy changed his agenda Monday, staying in his office to follow the situation in Libya.