With its warplanes recently on exercise over Cyprus, while its warships patrol with the Greek navy, France is now more militarily active in the Eastern Mediterranean than it has been for generations. Meanwhile, there is a concern that this growing Turkish success in Libya also unhinges French influence in neighbouring Tunisia and Algeria. “France very much doesn’t want Turkey sailing around in this very important part of the Mediterranean,” says Fasanotti. France is also increasingly concerned by growing Turkish influence in Lebanon. Jonathan Gorvett is a journalist, writer and analyst who has specialised in Eastern Mediterranean affairs for over two decades.

Source: The North Africa Journal September 05, 2020 05:23 UTC