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French diplomats assiduously deny their policy is a function of the UAE position (instead pointing across the Sahara and the Med). But recent statements just reinforce the perception. Consequence of the repeat structural failure of French diplomacy to make their case publicly. https://twitter.com/JMJalel_H/status/1276057461221294080
French officials are among the most capable in Europe with an effective military and intelligence apparatus to support. But that often leads to a blindness when it comes to external public legitimacy which has to be shaped earnestly and thru transparency.
And I know a lot of French colleagues work very hard to pry open French foreign policy and we appreciate it. But repeatedly saying "you just don't see what we see" isn't enough to convince even friends.
In turn, it would behoove Germany and others to seriously reform their own processes, especially with regards to intelligence, to be able to work with Paris on even footing.
