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French soldier in Afghanistan, Feb. 7, 2010

NATOSource

Feb 10, 2014

New Era in French-American Military Cooperation

By François Heisbourg, New York Times

France worries deeply — as do other European and Middle Eastern allies — about America’s foreign policy shift after Iraq and Afghanistan, its reluctance to put American forces in the front line in the world’s trouble spots.

Europe & Eurasia France
President Barack Obama and French President François Hollande, May 18, 2012

NATOSource

Feb 10, 2014

Obama and Hollande: France and the US Enjoy a Renewed Alliance

By Barack Obama and François Hollande, Washington Post

Today, American and French diplomats are preparing for talks with Iran that build on the agreement that has halted progress on and rolled back key elements of the Iranian nuclear program.

Africa France
French Air Force Mirage 2000N

NATOSource

Feb 5, 2014

French Hard Power: Living on the Strategic Edge

By Dorothée Fouchaux, AEI

According to the appropriations statute that follows and implements the white paper’s program, the French defense budget will flat line at €3.38 billion over the next two years and creep ever so slowly to €32.51 billion in 2019.

Economy & Business France
EUFOR mission in Chad

NATOSource

Feb 5, 2014

The EU at War: CAR Mission Highlights Internal Tensions

By Maxime H.A. Larivé, National Interest

Four elements need to be reflected upon concerning the CSDP and CAR. First, despite the rapid European reactions to create a military mission, approved by the UN Security Council on January 29 of this year, the EU failed to use the EU Battlegroup concept

European Union France
Victory Day Parade in Moscow, May 9, 2005

NATOSource

Feb 4, 2014

Russia Named World’s Third-Largest Military Spender

By RIA Novosti

Russia is now the world’s third-largest military spender after the United States and China, pushing the United Kingdom into fourth place

China France
French Rafales jets refuel on the deck of the USS Harry S. Truman

NATOSource

Feb 4, 2014

French Fighter Jets Operate from the USS Truman in Joint Operation

By Navy News Service and Stars and Stripes

From Navy News Service:  Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group (HST CSG) and French Navy Task Force 473 concluded five weeks of combined carrier strike group operations

France United States and Canada
UK Defense Minister Philip Hammond and French Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian

NATOSource

Jan 31, 2014

Britain and France Strengthen Defense Cooperation

By UK Ministry of Defense

A communiqué signed by UK Prime Minister David Cameron and French President Francois Hollande sets out plans for closer ties between the 2 countries.

France United Kingdom
Admiral Edouard Guillaud

NATOSource

Jan 30, 2014

France Dismisses Military Call for Intervention in Libya

By Libya Herald and AP

From Libya Herald:  France has firmly rebuffed suggestions that it should join an international force and intervene in the south of Libya to end instability there and prevent it becoming a regional base for Al Qaeda.

France Libya
Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel and French Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian

NATOSource

Jan 28, 2014

France’s Counterterrorism Operations in Africa Deserve US Support

By Editorial Board, Washington Post

[M]ore than 1,000 French soldiers are still fighting Islamic militants in Mali. Another French intervention force has been dispatched to restore order in the Central African Republic.

France Sahel
Allies concerned about a diminished US global presence

NATOSource

Jan 23, 2014

Get Ready, the Indispensable Americans are Pulling Back

By Gideon Rachman, Financial Times

[T]he most important emerging theme in world politics is America’s slow retreat from its role as global policeman.

France Israel

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