THE SPECTATOR: Just as the British press is venerating David Cameron in the aftermath of last night’s UN resolution, so too the French press is praising President Sarkozy. In fact, the whole administration is basking in his reflected glory. Le Figaro describes Sarkozy’s and Prime Minister François Fillon’s roles in obtaining the UN Resolution and preparing the French military for action; the Defence minister also receives a hearty appraisal.Even the Presidency’s determined adversaries have expressed more than grudging respect. The left-wing newspaper Libération applauds Foreign Minister (and grand old man of Gaullism) Alain Juppé’s success in bringing the fractious United Nations to resolution. In recent days, the paper has also reported that the French Left aligned behind Sarkozy on this issue.
Libération has also given some space to David Cameron: it frequently refers to the ‘joint Anglo-French operation’ and today it included Cameron’s Commons statement in its Libyan live-blog. Other French newspapers have been more reticent about Britain’s role. Le Figaro mentions Cameron in passing and Le Monde, the ‘newspaper of record’ in France, has taken a patriotic line. Although it acknowledges that the UN Resolution was a joint effort with Britain and other nations, it is presented as an achievement for ‘la France’. Particular praise is reserved for the ‘solemn letter’ that Sarkozy personally wrote to members of the UN Security Council before yesterday’s vote. » | David Blackburn | Friday, March 18, 2011
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Libya crisis: David Cameron emerges as a bold statesman – MPs of all political colours paid tribute to David Cameron's role in securing the United Nations resolution on Libya. » | Andrew Porter | Friday, March 18, 2011
My comment:
To talk of Cameron and statesmanship in the same breath is something I find rather odd at this stage. Forgive me if I'm missing something; but what has he done yet that would classify him as a statesman? Since when did declaring war on a madman in the desert count? In any case, it is far too soon to talk of statesmanship. Let us see first how this crisis unfolds. We haven't yet ousted the 'Mad Dog.' And he may prove to be far more formidable an enemy than either Cameron or Sarkozy can imagine. Gaddafi could yet turn the Mediterranean into a fireball. God only knows what he's got lined up the sleeve of his jalabi for us. One thing is certain: He's not going to give up without one almighty fight. And remember this: He's in a corner. He's like a trapped rat! A trapped rat is a dangerous rat! So before we start talking of statesmanship, let us first see how well Cameron performs. – © Mark
