Publication

France has found it increasingly difficult to maintain its initial position on Syria. The political class is deeply divided over the question of France’s involvement as well as over the means that should be used to bring the conflict to an end. French public opinion is hostile to the use of force. The Gulf countries, which support selected Islamist elements in the Syrian opposition, may try to influence the French stance on Syria to the detriment of European interests and attempts at an armistice. Despite internal rifts among Member States, the authors of this brief contend that with French help, the EU could yet foster a common European policy on the war in Syria.