In response to an FT article by Michael Stothard on 27th September 2015, entitled 'France makes first airstrikes against ISIS in Syria'
'France is “discussing with everyone and pushing no one aside” to find a political resolution to the Syrian conflict, he (President Hollande) continued, reiterating, however, that Syria’s future could not be envisaged with President Bashar al-Assad in power'
Pushing people aside...are there any of the 'allies' involved in this calamity weak enough to be pushed aside by Francois Hollande? Anyone on the other 'side'? Certainly not ISIS and clearly not Assad. Perhaps he's trying to spare the egos of Messrs Putin and Obama, who must be in awe of his Napoleonic gravitas.
He's weak at home, he's acting tough overseas, and he's timed it to coincide with his visit to New York. He should go back to scurrying around on a scooter before sense prevails and the US and Russia finally get together to sort this mess out. If, and hopefully when that happens it will be revealed just how incapable France, or the UK, or indeed anyone else is, of pushing anyone around. Mr Hollande and Mr Cameron will both be told to sit down and shut up. And both, will do so, pretending of course, that they were crucial to that decision.