Chirac Steals Prodi's Mideast Limelight

After hearing more than a week of rumors that Italy might be leading the Unifil mission in Lebanon, France, after offering to initially send only 400 troops, has upped its engagement to 2,000 troops. Furthermore, France has offered to lead the mission, something that Italy has been offering for the past week.

From the get-go Italy has offered 3,000 troops, has been willing to lead the mission, and has not waivered on either commitment.

This past week, Israel, Lebanon, the United States, the U.K. and Russia have all voiced support for an Italian-led mission. France on the other hand underwent harsh criticism from the world's leaders, with many inferring that France wasn't living up to its responsibilities as a global player.

Hours before Chirac's announcement this evening (20h00 Paris), President Bush phoned Prodi stating that the United States was "pleased with Italy's commitment", and the Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tzipi Livni, called Italy "a model country" (in the EU).

If France once again sits on the sidelines, its role as an EU powerhouse and player in Mideast politics is at stake. It remains to be seen, however, which country will lead the Unifil mission.