Last week's events were dramatic for Europe - but also instructive and likely to lead to encouraging follow-up. The cruel fanaticism of the so-called Islamic State (Daesh) was confirmed, with the horrors with which we are all familiar. At the same time, there was again progress on a positive point: the outlook of a direct EU-Russia dialogue - admittedly cautious and for some aspects even suspicious - but with positive outlooks for both parties. These developments merit a few comments.
The relaunch of EU-Russia dialogue is ripe. Federica Mogherini, the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, spoke on several occasions about relations with Russia - both at the G20 summit in Australia and after her return to Europe. She believes in the relaunch, the term that she used for the dialogue that she envisages. “Russia is part of the problem, but also of the solution”, she said, adding that “several ministers have asked me to go the Moscow” (the most reluctant being the EU countries that are closest to the Russian territory - which is an attitude that's understandable).
Naturally, the high representative would of course like her visit to Moscow to be carefully prepared. She knows that the reciprocal punitive measures currently constituting relations cost both sides dear (Moscow more than the EU) and she believes in direct dialogue. She concluded by telling journalists, in a half-joking tone: I need to be prepared (for this trip).
Direct dialogue with Russia is something that Ms Mogherini shares with others. In Brisbane all the observers noted that Ms Mogherini's meeting with Mr Putin lasted for four hours (!) The Belgian minister for foreign affairs, Didier Reynders, also stated that a real dialogue with Russia is desirable. Yet there is no point in my extending the list - I can only take positive note of a development that I have long been advocating. A direct EU-Moscow dialogue - cautious and without unjustified concessions - will replace the disastrous series of unsustainable restrictive measures. This is to the benefit of all those who prefer cooperation between Europe and Russia - with reservation being dictated by the sometimes “ambiguous” interests, to which this column will return if needs be.
Jihad: a few truths never to be forgotten. Do I again need to return to the extent of ignominy that Islamic State has reached, after the proof that Islamic State itself publishes? It might well be asked if and when, in the history of humanity, such an extent of infamy has been reached before? A few clarifications need to be set out because the deeds themselves are not sufficient:
religion has nothing to do with the Daesh's behaviour. For those responsible for Jihad and leading it, the Muslim religion is just an appearance. The real objectives are only oil, wealth, power and crushing other movements that are equally specialised in banditry. And Jihad hits out at other Muslims without hesitation;
Islamic State has followers, weapons and wealth like no other criminal organisation ever before;
according to a UN report (quoted by The Guardian), 150,000 people from 80 countries have joined fundamentalist groups in Syria and Iraq;
within the EU, there are reportedly 3,000 young people involved who have the citizenship of a member state. As EU citizens, they can return home; sometimes they themselves are horrified at all they have had to do or all they have seen during their trip, and sometimes they want to continue their mission in Europe;
a study by anthropologist Dounia Bouzar speaks of a hypnotic atmosphere created around young Europeans of Muslim origin. The EU could, perhaps, study the possibility of lifting their European citizenship, if they are guilty of the call to Jihad and return to Europe to take action;
let me reiterate that the large majority of Muslims formally reject the deviations just mentioned and quite simply want to live in the EU as other citizens do.
The Muslim religion - one of the flowers of human civilisation - must not be associated with these monstrous bandits.
(FR)