Having accomplished what a few months ago seemed impossible (getting the U.S. and France to see eye to eye on an issue), and now understanding the dire consequences of such a development, Syria is reportedly seeking to bolster ties with their former colonial ruler in attempt to alleviate international pressure against them. So how can they accomplish that objective? It is actually fairly simple: follow the model offered by despotic regimes around the world (Iraq, Venezuela, Myanmar, etc.) and offer lucrative energy contracts to French owned oil giant Total. The Wall Street Journal reports:
Syria, under mounting international pressure to hasten its withdrawal from Lebanon, is considering offering business deals as diplomatic tools to improve ties with France, people familiar with the situation said. Syria has approached French oil giant Total SA with a proposal to develop a cluster of promising gas fields located in the Palmyrid desert region. Syria also could revive plans to buy Airbus aircraft and renew talks with French construction firm Vinci SA on airport and subway projects, these people said.
Syria has yet to launch a new formal tender for the gas fields, and any firm plane order could be months away, but the attempt to boost bilateral trade with France is part of a wider effort to break through a rising diplomatic isolation, these people said. "Syria desperately needs to find allies in the West," a European diplomat said. "And France is their best shot to open up a gate."
Syria and France once had close relations. Eager for breathing room, Syria hasn't lost hope that it can soften France's stance with the promise of lucrative contracts valued at hundreds of millions of dollars, businesspeople and diplomats familiar with the situation said. | I may be wrong, but I think this is too little too late. |
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