By Khandaker Apon Hossain:
The Mediterra-nean is a name that evokes wonder. Here, history is both made and unmade. Ancient civilizations, colonialism, trade routes, imperial expansions, migration crises, modern warfare, and diplomatic complexities this sea has witnessed it all. For centuries, the geopolitical wheel has turned along these waters. At times, Europe has advanced; at others, Africa has retreated, and the Middle East has swayed in the balance. History shows that the Mediterranean is both a maritime boundary and a frontier of policy. Whoever exerts strong leadership here leaves a mark across three continents. Recognizing this reality, a politician stands on its shores with a vision. His name is Emmanuel Macron. He sees politics through the lens of humanity and diplomacy as a tool for shaping the future. Some love him, some respect him, others dislike him, and many question his actions but none can ignore him.
He walks the shattered streets of Lebanon and extends his hand in Egypt’s scorching winds. To him, this region is not just a diplomatic chessboard but a living canvas, layered with the dust of history. President Emmanuel Macron is neither a peacemaker nor a poet, yet there is a poetic rhythm to his diplomacy. His efforts to calm the turbulent waters of the Mediterranean reflect an unyielding quest for harmony. From Lebanon to Egypt, Syria to Algeria-all have felt the impact of his policies. Take Lebanon, for instance. France’s footprint here is not new.
During the colonial era, its shadow loomed large. Today, it returns in a different form. Shortly after the 2020 Beirut explosion, Macron arrived on the scene. Against a backdrop of political vacuum and economic collapse, he built a platform of empathy, rallying international aid. While the world remained preoccupied with its own crises, Macron rushed to save another’s home. Once-vibrant Beirut now lies in ruins-yet in Macron’s eyes, this destruction is a gateway to possibility.
Hezbollah’s dominance has waned, its influence challenged by shifts in Syrian politics and Israeli strikes. Macron sees this as the right moment-to strengthen local institutions, ensure transparent governance, and initiate reconstruction. This effort must earn the trust of both international allies and the people. With Israel’s aggression reshaping Syria’s political landscape, Lebanon now seeks a new path. Macron aims to guide that path. He offers not just aid but hope.
A January visit to Beirut, a November summit in Paris with Lebanon’s president, meetings with leaders from Cyprus, Greece, and Syria-all threads in France’s plan to stabilize the Mediterranean. For Lebanon, mere aid is not enough; a change in mindset is essential. France’s role here exemplifies “soft power”-diplomatic engagement complemented by cultural, educational, and humanitarian efforts. Macron envisions a strong Lebanon, its foundation built from within. Ceasefires and disarmament are now the keys to reform. He knows that saving Lebanon means saving Syria, and stabilizing Syria means peace for the entire region.
France’s presence in Egypt runs even deeper. The 2011 Arab Spring shook Egypt’s foundations. Emerging from turmoil, Cairo turned to a steadfast ally-France. Between 2015 and 2021, defense deals worth nearly €10 billion were signed-Rafale fighter jets, Mistral ships, Gowind corvettes-all part of a strategic partnership. But the relationship extends beyond arms. In 2019, France and Egypt celebrated 150 years of the Suez Canal with a cultural year, fostering academic exchanges and joint research.
Macron’s diplomacy shines in both politics and human connection-riding Cairo’s metro, speaking with ordinary people, standing in Beirut’s rubble with a message of hope. These are not just photo ops but gestures of solidarity. “Trust France,” he says, but adds, “Change must come from you.” Beyond military ties, France invests in Egypt’s education sector-joint research, student exchanges, and technology transfers. The 2019 cultural year deepened historical bonds, blending defense, education, and politics. Macron’s stroll through Cairo’s ancient metro and market chats send a psychological message: France stands not just with the state but with its people.
As global politics fractures into multipolar conflicts, France dreams of a unified Mediterranean. Not just Lebanon and Egypt-but Syria, Greece, Cyprus, and Jordan are part of this vision. A five-nation summit addressed border security and maritime stability, with Syria-Lebanon tensions as a pressing backdrop. Macron’s goal is clear: empower local actors, fill political voids, and foster multilateral cooperation. Restoring France’s global relevance is another subtle aim-hence his pledge for an international conference on Lebanon’s reconstruction. But internal stability comes first.
Without financial, judicial, and administrative reforms, no structure will hold. The World Bank and IMF now tie funding to such conditions, and Macron’s diplomacy aligns with this reality. At its core, his policy calls for equity and unity. The France of colonial past now embraces collaborative leadership-a reflection of Macron’s steps. Yet, realizing this dream depends on local will, reformist courage, and public engagement. This new Mediterranean is not just a shipping lane but a bridge of diplomacy-and Macron is laying its stones, one by one. Time will tell if it becomes a true passage or mere symbolism.
Even in the Gaza war, France’s stance stands out. Macron’s calls for ceasefires and humanitarian aid in Cairo and Amman were unequivocal. Visiting border hospitals and sealing new partnerships, his trips were as much about compassion as politics. To him, the Mediterranean’s future is built step by step-a ladder to peace. Lebanon’s reforms remain pending: Hezbollah’s disarmament, judicial overhaul, and anti-corruption measures are prerequisites for international aid. Macron knows this. He applies pressure but stays engaged. His strategy is clear: awaken local forces, entrust peace to their hands. The Mediterranean’s restless waters remain uneasy, yet Macron’s efforts herald a new dawn. This French president may not be a poet, but his work carries a poetic touch-small steps, profound hopes. Perhaps one day, this sea will become a tranquil blue expanse of peace.
Macron-criticized, praised, and debated. Yet, his diplomatic innovation is undeniable. Under his leadership, the Mediterranean has found glimpses of calm, light, and potential. He has expanded diplomacy beyond treaties, understanding the language in people’s eyes. He seeks to position France as both a powerful state and a humanitarian leader. And so, on the Mediterranean’s shores, his touch has ushered in a new morning. His policies often draw criticism-some call him indecisive, others pragmatic. But none can deny that his leadership has opened new diplomatic horizons. France today symbolizes not just military might but a voice for humanity.
On geopolitics, maritime borders, and migration, his stance is distinct and clear. He seeks not to fuel conflict but to bring light. Within geography, he maps humanity’s hopes. To him, the world is the glow of human aspiration-and its reflection ripples across the Mediterranean, where Macron’s touch awakens a new dawn.
Khandaker Apon Hossain is a Teacher, Cantonment Board High School, Shahid Salahuddin Cantonment, Ghatail, Tangail. He can be reached at khandaker.apon@gmail.com