American Recreation

Hollande’s four days in the U.S. will surely create happy memories. The American media paid him little attention. As for Barack Obama, he would have been consoled by his own approval rating of “only” 40 percent, finding himself beside a French president’s with one of less than 20 percent. On a more serious note, commentators have also correctly noted that Washington is aware of France’s potential usefulness: France is still highly regarded in Europe but has become weak.

Properly coaxed, France could serve as a Trojan horse in the rough Merkel camp. In Syria, France is both the victim and witness of the U.S. cop-out, a move that only lengthens the list of America’s mistakes in the Middle East. In Africa however, France has been able to use what remains of its influence to direct what is left of its army for the containment of Islamic outbursts. Europe’s lack of interest in these events helps strengthen France in the eyes of the United Nations Security Council.

We understand that Hollande has felt a kind of happiness in America’s recognition of his country’s strengths and weaknesses. Obama is also probably nurturing some hope of influencing his new friend, but Hollande is no stranger to manipulation, and we would bet that behind his smiles, he is already trying to foil these calculations. His behavior seeks to feed this kind of higher diplomatic happiness that is the hallmark of good international relations, and which he hopes will reflect well on his mediocre domestic policies: hence, this almost joyful mood of recreation. For a time, the U.S. president was free of his implacable Republicans, while the Frenchman spent a few days away from his unbearable Socialists.

Nor should we forget that around this same time, those detestable, indiscreet tabloids began to accuse Obama of having an affair with a female singer. Hollande was recently caught in a similar situation, but he is now freed from his chains. Seeing him this radiant, we would bet he was celebrating this meeting in full bachelor style. We are happy for him, but his friends will soon make him pay after this recreational bout. They will not forgive him for having looked so happy in America.