Picture this..
From an historical perspective, the European countries which have had a major presence in Africa and the Levant have been Britain, France, Germany, and to a smaller extent Italy..
Since the end of the First World War, these European powers have withdrawn from their protectorates, most before the Second World War began, Britain and France leaving it until 1948 for the former, 1966 for the latter, but there have been tight ties maintained, diplomatic bonds, especially by the French.
Now, we have France itself, once pre-eminent in Europe, humiliated in both World Wars by the Germans, losing ground constantly in all endeavours other than the European Union. And with the planned expansion of the EU, to include many states which were part of the former USSR, states which have drive and a will to catch up, France and to a lesser extent Germany, are concerned with their positions, their influence, in the new EU.
France is the strongest opponent to an American defence of it's presence in the Middle East, and has been a constant critic of Israel, and it’s American leanings. If France manages to delay action to assure the west's foothold in the Middle East, it strikes a major blow on two fronts.
One, it puts a finger in the eye of the United States, and another in Britains.. It brings down NATO, an organisation which could easily be replaced in funtion by the formation of an European Army.. made up of factions from all member states.. and draws a line between Europe and the new world again..
Two, it tightens ties with the Middle East, and leaves France as the savior of the oil producing nations.. This will bolster it's position in Europe immensely, and indeed offer it a card with which to trump American interests, what with the US being the largest importer of oil on the planet..
War is unpleasant.. no denying it..
But national interest is national interest.. and when it comes down to it.. the nation must examine what it stands to lose, if this divisive trend continues..
While supporting a war is politically unfashionable.. the necessity of undertaking one's responsibilities, and succeeding.. must be obvious.