The New York Times is reporting that Egypt and the United Arab Emirates secretly bombed jihadist sites in Libya. There is no secret that both countries fear the radical elements in the movement, but the attacks occurred without any warning to the prime ally of both countries–the US. The fact that these countries felt free to implement a rather dangerous foreign policy without US backing is testimony to the growing preception in the world that the US matters less in world affairs. We typically take examples from actions taken by countries opposed to the US to make this point (the implicit argument is a variation of the “Munich” analogy). But US allies have increasingly taken actions without consulting the US, or actions that tend to undermine American interests (Saudi Arabia and Israel are prime examples).
The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) is one of the most powerful lobbying group in American politics, but relatively little is known about how the Committee works. Connie Bruck has written an essay on AIPAC for the New Yorker magazine, and outlines many of its positions and lobbying techniques. The intersection between domestic and foreign policy is dramatically illustrated by the activities of AIPAC.
The French Economic Minister, Arnaud Montebourg, has resigned from the French government, citing his disapproval of President Hollande’s support for austerity policies. Prime Minister Manuel Valls is trying to construct a new cabinet to support the government, but Montebourg’s resignation reflects strong domestic opposition to French economic policy. French economic growth was a tepid 0.1% in the second quarter of 2014. The French have abandoned the deficit reduction goals set by the European Union, a move that will likely lead Spain and Italy to drop similar goals.
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