Presidents Trump And Macron Trade Barbs Over Tariffs, ISIS, And NATO

Daily Mail: 'Would you like some nice ISIS fighters?' Trump taunts Emmanuel Macron over captured terrorists - but French president slaps back 'let's be serious'

* Trump spoke at his first meeting during NATO's 70th year
* He touted nations boosting military spending
* Attacked France's Macron for saying NATO was acting 'brain dead'
* Called the remark 'very disrespectful'
* Said France was having a 'rough year,' brought up yellow vest protests, and invoked U.S. tariffs
* The two men later met one on one and mostly put the spat behind them
* But Trump pushed Macron for his position on captured ISIS fighters
* Macron told him: 'Let's be serious'
* They also clashed over Turkey's conduct in Syria
* Trump earlier spoke for more than 50 minutes alongside Secretary General Stoltenberg
* He also blasted France for its digital services tax that hit big tech
* 'I'm not going to let people take advantage of American companies. Because if anybody's going to take advantage of American companies, it's going to be us'

President Donald Trump needled French President Emmanuel Macron over a heated dispute about accepting captured ISIS fighters – offering to 'give them to you' – after kicking off meetings in London with an attack his 'nasty' comments about NATO.

Seated alongside Macron on his first day of meetings here, Trump took a dig at Macron for France and other European nations being reluctant to accept nationals from their own countries who joined the fight alongside ISIS terrorists.

Trump turned to his counterpart and asked: 'Would you like some nice ISIS fighters? I could give them to you.'

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WNU Editor: It has been a rough year for French President Macron. His favourable poll numbers are around 20%, the economy is stagnant, and the yellow vests protests have taken their toll.

More News On Today's Meeting Between President Trump And French President Macron

Donald Trump goes after Macron at start of NATO summit -- DW
Donald Trump says French president Emmanuel Macron's NATO comments were 'very insulting' -- ABC News Online
Nato summit: Trump blasts Macron 'brain dead' comments as 'nasty' -- BBC
'Very, very nasty': Trump clashes with Macron before NATO summit -- Reuters
Trump calls Macron’s comments on ISIS the ‘best non-answer’ he’s ever heard -- AP
Macron rebukes Trump to his face on live television at NATO summit -- National Post/Bloomberg
Trump, Macron hold tense meeting: 'Would you like some nice ISIS fighters? I can give them to you' -- The Hill
Trump says he can see France breaking off from NATO -- Reuters
Bromance or bad date? Trump, Macron trade barbs over tariffs, NATO -- Reuters

French Defense Minister Criticizes US Over ‘Unanswered’ Iran Attacks

French Defence Minister Florence Parly leaves the Elysee Palace following a cabinet meeting in Paris, France, October 21, 2019. Benoit Tessier, Reuters

France 24: French minister criticises US over 'unanswered' Iran attacks

France’s defense minister criticized the U.S. on Saturday over what she described as “unanswered” attacks in recent months threatening the Persian Gulf, warning that the decades-long American deterrence in the oil-rich region appeared to be losing its power.

Florence Parly separately said France deplored both U.S. President Donald Trump’s unilateral withdrawal of America from Iran’s 2015 nuclear deal with world powers that led to the re-imposition of crushing sanctions, as well as Tehran recently breaking the deal’s enrichment, stockpile and centrifuge limits.

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More News On The French Defense Minister Criticizing The US Over ‘Unanswered’ Iran Attacks

French minister criticizes US over ‘unanswered’ Iran attacks -- AP
U.S. and France vie to bolster Gulf security after Saudi oil attack -- Reuters
French Defense Minister Criticizes US Over ‘Unanswered’ Iran Attacks -- Radio Farda

President Trump Has Accused French President Macron Of Sending 'Mixed Signals' To Iran

....I know Emmanuel means well, as do all others, but nobody speaks for the United States but the United States itself. No one is authorized in any way, shape, or form, to represent us!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 8, 2019

Politico: Trump swats at Macron for Iran diplomacy

President Donald Trump on Thursday accused French President Emmanuel Macron of sending “mixed signals” to Iran amid an apparent diplomatic breakdown between Washington and Tehran.

“Iran is in serious financial trouble. They want desperately to talk to the U.S., but are given mixed signals from all of those purporting to represent us, including President Macron of France,” Trump wrote on Twitter.

“I know Emmanuel means well, as do all others, but nobody speaks for the United States but the United States itself,” Trump continued. “No one is authorized in any way, shape, or form, to represent us!”

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WNU Editor: Something went wrong.

More News On President Trump Accusing French President Macron Of Sending 'Mixed Signals' To Iran

Trump accuses France's Macron of sending 'mixed signals' to Iran -- Reuters
Trump criticizes French president for sending Iran 'mixed signals' -- AFP
"Nobody Speaks For The United States": Trump Bashes Macron Over Mixed Signals Toward Iran -- Zero Hedge
Trump accuses French president of sending Iran 'mixed signals' -- Middle East Eye

The Tree That President Trump And French President Macron Planted On The White House Lawn Has Died

French President Emmanuel Macron offered a young oak to his US counterpart Donald Trump on the occasion of a state visit to Washington in 2018, and the two shoveled dirt around it under the watchful eyes of their wives -- and cameras from around the world (AFP Photo/JIM WATSON)

AFP: Tree symbolizing Trump-Macron friendship has died

Washington (AFP) - The photo of Donald Trump and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron planting an oak tree in the garden of the White House symbolized the friendship shown by the two leaders.

But relations between them have since frayed -- over issues ranging from Iran to trade -- and the tree, a diplomatic source said this week, did not survive.

The French president offered the young oak to Trump on the occasion of a state visit to Washington in 2018, and the two shoveled dirt around it under the watchful eyes of their wives -- and cameras from around the world.

It was a symbolic gesture: the tree came from a northern French forest where 2,000 US Marines died during the First World War.

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WNU Editor: This tree was planted (and died) last year. No big deal. Trees sometimes do not take hold. But why is this story coming out now?

France's Defense Minister Questions The U.S. Commitment To NATO

French Defense Minister Florence Parly said the European members of NATO should build their 'autonomy' amid questions over US commitment to the alliance

Reuters: French minister expresses concern about long-term U.S. commitment to NATO

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - French Armed Forces Minister Florence Parly said on Monday that Europe was concerned about the United States’ long-term commitment to NATO and implicitly criticized President Donald Trump’s approach toward the military alliance.

Trump, as the alliance’s de facto leader, has made defense spending a priority after years of defense cuts following the 1945-90 Cold War. He has questioned NATO’s value to Washington.

“What Europeans are worried about is this: will the U.S. commitment be perennial?,” Parly said during an event in Washington. She will meet with her American counterpart at the Pentagon on Monday to discuss issues including Syria.

“The alliance should be unconditional, otherwise it is not an alliance. NATO’s solidarity clause is called Article 5, not article F-35,” Parly added, in a reference to the Lockheed-Martin F-35 jet fighter. She did not mention Trump specifically.

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Update: France questions if US support for NATO is 'perennial' (AFP)

WNU Editor: And the French Defense Minister does another dig at the U.S. .... French Defense Chief: ‘It’s Called Article 5, Not Article F-35’ (Breaking Defense).

French President Macron Slams President Trump Over Syria Withdrawal

AFP: Macron says 'an ally must be reliable' after US Syria pullout announcement

N'Djamena (AFP) - French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday criticised US President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw American forces from Syria, saying "an ally must be reliable".

In a sign of the growing diplomatic rift between the two leaders, Macron said "I deeply regret the decision" by Trump to pullout US troops.

Trump last week ordered a complete troop pullout from Syria, asserting that the Islamic State group had been defeated, as well as a significant withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Analysts said the momentous reversal of years of US foreign policy will leave the war-torn regions at risk of continued and potentially heightened bloodshed.

Read more ....

More News On French President Macron Slamming President Trump Over Syria Withdrawal

France's Macron says deeply regrets Trump decision on troops in Syria -- Reuters
'An ally must be dependable': President Macron blasts President Trump for pulling American troops out of Syria -- Daily Mail
'An Ally Should Be Dependable,' French President Macron Slams Trump Over Syria Withdrawal -- Newsweek
Macron says he ‘deeply regrets’ Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw troops from Syria -- Euronews
Macron knocks Trump’s Syria decision: ‘An ally should be dependable’ -- The Hill
Macron Voices Deep Regret Over US Decision to Withdraw Troops From Syria -- Sputnik

President Trump Doubles-Down On Criticisms Of French President Macron's Call For An EU Army To Protect Europe From The U.S. And Other Countries

Emmanuel Macron suggests building its own army to protect Europe against the U.S., China and Russia. But it was Germany in World Wars One & Two - How did that work out for France? They were starting to learn German in Paris before the U.S. came along. Pay for NATO or not!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 13, 2018

FOX News: Trump slams Macron for low approval ratings, French surrender to the Nazis

President Trump on Tuesday ripped into French President Emmanuel Macron in a series of tweets -- hitting him on everything from his low approval ratings, to the French surrender to the Nazis in World War II, and suggesting U.S. wine is on par with French product.

Trump was tweeting after a visit to France over the weekend, where he marked the anniversary of the end of World War I. But the trip was marred after Macron said last week that Europe should build its own army, telling French radio: “We have to protect ourselves with respect to China, Russia and even the United States of America.”

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WNU Editor: Some Europeans are also not buying this idea of an EU Army .... Merkel heckled over European army comments (RTE).

More News On President Trump Doubling-Down On Criticisms Of French President Macron's Call For An EU Army

Trump goes on the attack against Macron -- Politico
Trump suggests France would have been defeated without US -- AP
Trump lashes Macron as Europe moves on defense without US -- AFP
Trump rips Macron for suggesting creation of 'true European army' -- The Hill
Trump Mocks France for War Losses as Macron Bromance Sours -- Bloomberg
Trump jabs Macron: You'd be speaking German if it wasn't for US -- Washington Examiner

France Wonders If They Can Always Count On American Support?

President Trump, first lady Melania Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron wave during an arrival ceremony at the White House in Washington, April 24, 2018. REUTERS/Joshua Roberts

Defense News: France wonders: Can we always count on American support?

PARIS — The U.S. is a close and valued ally to France, but the European country seeks continentwide strategic autonomy in defense and security, with a stronger and more cooperative industrial base, said French Armed Forces Minister Florence Parly.

“The United States is our ally and our friend, and it will remain so,” she said Sept. 11 at the Summer defense university, a gathering of parliamentarians, officers and foreign guests. “Our cooperation in defense and security is intense and highly valued.”

Parly had planned to pass on that message when she saw U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis in Washington on Thursday, but that trip to the U.S. — which included a presentation at the Atlantic Council — was canceled due to Hurricane Florence hitting the East Coast.

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WNU Editor: Wrong question. The real question is .... can the U.S. count on French/European support?

French President Macron: Europe Can't Rely On U.S. For Security

The Independent: Macron says EU can no longer entrust its security to the US alone: 'It's up to us'

French president says defence cooperation should include all European countries, including Russia.

Emmanuel Macron has said Europe can no longer entrust its security to the US alone, during a speech setting out the roadmap for French diplomacy in the year to come.

In front of an audience of French ambassadors on Monday, Mr Macron said "it's up to us" to guarantee Europe's security and therefore its sovereignty

He said discussions on defence cooperation should include all European countries and Russia, on condition progress is made with Moscow on Ukraine.

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WNU Editor: He and German Chancellor really want this .... Macron Urges EU to Boost Defense, Finance Autonomy From U.S. (Bloomberg)

More News On French President Macron's Remarks That Europe Can't Rely On U.S. For Security

French President Emmanuel Macron insists EU can no longer rely on US to guarantee its security -- SCMP/AFP
Macron says Europe can't rely on US for security -- CNN
EU 'can no longer rely on US,' says France's Macron -- DW
Macron: Europe can’t depend on US for security -- Politico.eu
French President Macron: Europe cannot depend on US for security -- Al Jazeera
Macron says EU can’t rely on US for security, calls for more cooperation with Russia -- TASS

France Condemns New U.S. Sanctions Against Iran. Calls On EU to Fight Back

French Minister for Foreign Affairs Jean-Yves Le Drian. Michel Euler/Pool via Reuters

BBC: Iran nuclear deal: France condemns US move to re-impose sanctions

France has condemned as "unacceptable" a US move to re-impose sanctions on companies trading with Iran.

The action from Washington followed President Donald Trump's decision to pull out of a landmark deal that sought to curb Iran's nuclear programme.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said European companies should not have to pay for the US decision.

The US says firms have six months to halt business and cannot enter into new contracts or they will face sanctions.

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WNU Editor: It looks like the French have made the decision that economic ties with Iran are more important than economic ties with the U.S., and that the EU should set up a European institution (like the U.S. Treasury Department) to penalize foreign companies that do not conform to EU policies .... France to Propose Iran Sanctions-Blocking Measures to EU Parl't - Official (Sputnik).

More News On France Condemning New U.S. Sanctions Against Iran

France urges Europe to push back against 'unacceptable' US sanctions on Iran -- France 24
France vows pushback against U.S. sanctions on Iran -- Reuters
France: Europe isn't US 'vassal,' should trade with Iran -- Washington Post
France dubs US sanctions on trade with Iran 'unacceptable' -- RFI
France Wants to Defend EU Firms From US Sanctions on Iran - French Minister -- Sputnik

President Trump Welcomes French President Macron To The White House

Jon Shelton, DW: Trump and Macron highlight US-French alliance with public display of affection

US President Donald Trump and French counterpart Emmanuel Macron addressed reporters after "a frank and productive private meeting." The alliance between their countries seems to have reached a new personal level.

When US President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron emerged from an Oval Office meeting to address government officials and reporters at the White House Tuesday, the men stressed not only the historic ties that bind their respective countries but also willingly displayed their personal friendship for the world to see.

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More News On President Trump Welcoming French President Macron To The White House

Trump welcomes Macron to the White House -- The Hill
Trump, Macron make a show as best buds but tussle over Iran -- AP
Trump, Macron review the troops and enjoy the pomp before getting down to business -- Washington Post
Trump and Macron hint at new Iran nuclear deal -- BBC News
Trump and France's Macron seek new measures on Iran as deadline looms -- Reuters
Trump-Macron Friendship Can't Mask Stark Differences On Iran, Syria And Trade -- NPR
'He is perfect': Trump welcomes Macron during first state visit -- NBC
Trump and Macron can't stop touching each other -- Washington Post
Donald Trump Threatens Iran, Blasts Michael Cohen Question, Plucks Dandruff Off Emmanuel Macron At Mad Photo Op -- Yahoo News
Donald Trump Threatens Iran, Plucks Dandruff Off Emmanuel Macron At Mad Photo Op -- Deadline
Trump and Macron See the World Very Differently -- The Atlantic

French President Macron Wants U.S. Forces To Remain In Syria And To Stay In The Iran Nuclear Deal

VOA: Iran, Syria, Trade Hover Over Macron's US Visit

WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump officially welcomes French President Emmanuel Macron with an arrival ceremony Tuesday at the White House before the leaders hold official talks and attend a state dinner.

The ceremony is set to include nearly 500 service members from all five branches of the U.S. military, while Trump's first state dinner will feature entertainment by the Washington National Opera company.

Tuesday's bilateral meeting comes with several issues of global importance confronting the governments of both countries, including the war in Syria, Iran's nuclear program and Trump's plan to impose tariffs on aluminum and steel imports.

Read more ....

More News On Today's Trump-Macron Meeting On Syria-Iran

Trump-Macron: Red carpet treatment belies differences on Iran, Syria -- CNN
Emmanuel Macron to urge Donald Trump to keep US in Syria during White House talks -- The Telegraph
Macron will urge Trump not to pull out of Syria -- Independent.ie
Amid pomp and ceremony, Macron to persuade Trump to keep US in Syria -- Sydney Morning Herald
Trump, Macron to focus on trade, military issues including Iran nuclear deal -- Washington Times
Macron will have to 'pull a rabbit out of the hat' to save Iran deal -- CNN

French President Macron Walks Back Remarks That He Persuaded President Trump To Keep Troops In Syria

Washington Post: France’s Macron tries to walk back remarks that he persuaded Trump to keep troops in Syria

PARIS — French President Emmanuel Macron attempted Monday to walk back surprising comments that suggested he had convinced President Trump to keep U.S. forces in Syria “long term.”

The original remarks — during a TV debate Sunday after Western missile strikes on Syria — hinted at a major policy shift by Trump and brought a sharp response from the White House less than a week before Macron is scheduled to visit Washington.

It left Macron scrambling to clarify his statement and fall closer in line with Trump’s outlook that the Islamic State remains the main battle for Western military forces in Syria. Last month, Trump announced that he planned to withdraw U.S. troops from Syria “very soon,” but appeared to take a softer line after commanders and others questioned that decision.

At a news conference Monday, Macron took pains to emphasize a common strategy in Syria between France and the Trump administration.

“I did not say that either the U.S. or France will remain militarily engaged in the long term in Syria,” he told reporters after meeting with New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.

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Update #1: Macron clarifies Syria comments, says US and France united (AFP)
Update #2: Macron backtracks on Trump-Syria remarks (RFI)

WNU editor: I saw the interview where he made the claim that he convinced President Trump to keep US forces in syria for the "long term". He was under pressure during the questioning, and his remarks were done quickly. He should have parsed his answers more carefully.

French President Macron: Convinced U.S. President Trump To Keep Troops In Syria For The Long Term

Reuters: France's Macron says he persuaded Trump to keep troops in Syria

PARIS, April 15 (Reuters) - French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday said he had convinced U.S. President Donald Trump to keep troops in Syria for the long term and limit joint strikes to chemical weapons facilities.

Early on Saturday, the United States, France and Britain launched 105 missiles targeting what they said were three chemical weapons facilities in Syria in retaliation for a suspected poison gas attack in Douma on April 7.

"Ten days ago, President Trump was saying 'the United States should withdraw from Syria'. We convinced him it was necessary to stay," Macron said in an interview broadcast by BFM TV, RMC radio and Mediapart online news.

"We convinced him it was necessary to stay for the long term."

The United States, Britain and France said they only hit Syria's chemical weapons capabilities and the strikes were not aimed at toppling Syrian President Bashar al-Assad or intervening in the civil war.

Limiting the strikes to these specific targets was not necessarily Trump's initial plan, Macron said.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: The White House is pushing back on French President Macron's remarks .... White House: Trump wants U.S. forces in Syria to come home as quickly as possible (Reuters).

More News On French President Macron Remarks That He Convinced U.S. President Donald Trump To Keep Troops In Syria For The Long Term

Macron: France persuaded Trump to strike in Syria -- ABC News/AP
Macron says he 'convinced' Trump to stay in Syria ahead of strikes -- CNN
France's Macron says persuaded Trump to maintain troops in Syria -- Euronews

President Trump Ends His Trip To France

Daily Mail: Au revoir! Donald Trump gives Brigitte and Emmanuel Macron a long goodbye - complete with another tug-of-war handshake – at the end of a trip to Paris for Bastille Day

* President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump took in the splendor of Bastille Day, a national holiday celebrating France's independence, this morning in Paris
* This year's celebration coincides with the arrival of American troops 100 years ago in France on June 26, 1917
* The US president and his wife sat front and center in a VIP reviewing stand below the Luxor Obelisk in Place de la Concorde with the president and first lady of France, Emmanuel and Brigitte Macron
* The Trumps left for the airport immediately after the parade finished; they have plans to spend the weekend at their golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey
* The two presidents engaged in another handshake battle as they said au revoir at the conclusion of the US leader’s visit
* Brigitte Macron was also drawn into the tug of war, with Trump using both his hands to jerk the couple in

President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron spent the last 24 hours insisting they have a ‘very good relationship,’ in spite of their differences, but they proved Friday that old habits die hard when they engaged in another handshake battle as they said au revoir at the conclusion of the US leader’s visit to Paris.

First Lady of France Brigitte Macron was also drawn into the tug of war, with Trump using both his hands to jerk the couple in.

First Lady of the United States Melania Trump stood off to the side as the bizarre interaction went down. Finally free of Donald Trump’s grip, Brigitte Macron grabbed Melania’s hand and did not let go for several moments so that she was not left out of the group goodbye.

Read more ....

More News On President Trump Ending His Trip To France

The Latest: Trump says he and Macron talked trade, military -- Washington Post/AP
US friendship with France 'unbreakable', Trump says on Paris visit -- France 24
Macron Salutes French, U.S. Alliance as Trump's Paris Trip Ends -- Bloomberg
Bastille Day march-past closes Trump's Paris visit -- Reuters
Trump in Paris: France Celebrates Bastille Day With American Twist -- NBC
Trump revels in French military pomp far from White House turmoil -- Washington Post

U.S. President Trump Will Travel To Paris Today To Meet With French President Emmanuel Macron

U.S. President Donald Trump (L) shakes hands with French President Emmanuel Macron before a working lunch ahead of a NATO Summit in Brussels, Belgium, May 25, 2017. REUTERS/Peter Dejong/Pool

Reuters: Amid divisions with Macron, Trump to travel to Paris to discuss Syria, terrorism

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump will travel to Paris on Wednesday to meet with French President Emmanuel Macron where the two leaders will seek to work together on Syria and countering terrorism, while avoiding the thorny issues that have divided them.

Trump and Macron -- both political newcomers who scored upset victories in their presidential elections -- have taken very different positions in areas such as climate change and trade.

U.S. and French officials have said Trump's visit to Paris will allow the leaders to focus on those places where their interests overlap, including resolving the conflict in Syria and combating global terrorism.

Macron invited Trump to France to celebrate July 14 Bastille Day festivities and to commemorate the 100 years since U.S. troops entered into World War One.

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WNU Editor: Saw the Bastille parade years ago .... it is quite a sight to see.

More News On U.S. President Trump Travelling To Paris Today For Bastille Day On Friday

Trump heads to Paris for Bastille Day -- AP
Amid divisions with Macron, Trump to travel to Paris to discuss Syria, terrorism -- Reuters
Paris, much maligned by Trump, set to welcome him -- Politico
Syria, Counterterrorism Lead Agenda for Trump Trip to France -- VOA
France to mobilize 11,000 police for Bastille Day -- CHina.org.cn
Bulletproof screens, snipers and haute cuisine: Paris prepares for Trump's visit -- The Local
Trump and Macron may not be an odd couple after all -- Reuters
Macron to treat Trump to blue lobster in plush Eiffel Tower restaurant -- The Local

President Trump Accepts French President Macron's Invitation To Visit France For Bastille Day On July 14

Washington Post: Trump accepts Macron’s invitation to visit France for Bastille Day on July 14

President Trump has accepted French President Emmanuel Macron's invitation to visit and plans to travel to France to celebrate Bastille Day on July 14 at an event that will also commemorate the 100th anniversary of the U.S. entry into World War I to fight alongside France and other allies.

“President Trump looks forward to reaffirming America’s strong ties of friendship with France, to celebrating this important day with the French people, and to commemorating the 100th anniversary of America’s entry into World War I,” White House press secretary Sean Spicer said in a statement Wednesday. “The two leaders will further build on the strong counter-terrorism cooperation and economic partnership between the two countries, and they will discuss many other issues of mutual concern.”

Read more ....

WNU Editor: This public invitation from French President Macron .... and President Trump's acceptance of it .... is smart on many levels. It plays to President Macron's efforts to present himself as someone who wants to be active on the international scene, and it helps President Trump with his European "image problem". It will also be the 100th anniversary of U.S. forces entering France to fight the First World War .... an event that the U.S. President should be present for.

Update: The United Kingdom feels left out .... Protests against Trump are 'repelling' the President and damaging the special relationship Tory MP blasts after White House reveals he is heading to FRANCE before Britain (Daily Mail).

More News On President Trump Accepting French President Macron's Invitation To Visit France For Bastille Day On July 14

Trump accepts French invitation to attend Bastille Day parade -- France 24
President Trump to attend Paris July 14 celebrations -- Reuters
Trump will visit France next month at Macron's invitation to attend historic Bastille Day parade that marks the 100th anniversary of America's entry into WWI -- Daily Mail
Trump to attend Bastille Day celebrations in France -- BBC
Trump accepts invitation for Bastille Day visit to France -- Politico
Trump accepts invitation to visit France for Bastille Day celebrations -- ABC news

President Trump And French President Macron Agree To A Joint Response In The Event Of A Chemical Attack In Syria

US President Donald Trump (R) talks with French President Emmanuel Macron as they attend the G7 Summit May 26, 2017 in Italy (AFP Photo/STEPHANE DE SAKUTIN)

AFP: Macron, Trump vow 'joint response' if chemical attack in Syria

Paris (AFP) - US President Donald Trump and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron agreed during a telephone call Tuesday on the need for a "joint response" in the event of another chemical attack in Syria, the French presidency said.

Their call came a day after Washington said that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad may be preparing another chemical weapons attack and warned that his regime would pay a "heavy price" if it went ahead with such an assault.

A Pentagon spokesman said US intelligence had noticed suspect activity at the launch site of the regime's apparent chemical strike in April.

Days after that strike on a rebel-held town, the United States launched a cruise missile strike on the airfield in retaliation -- the first direct US attack on the Syrian regime.

Read more ....

Update #1: Trump, Macron discuss need to collaborate in event of Syria chemical weapons attack (CBS)
Update #2: Will Trump and Macron actually work together well on Syria? (Daniel DePetris, Washington Examiner)

WNU Editor: For some reason these two remind me of the "Odd Couple".

Update #3: This is a nice gesture .... Macron invites Trump to Bastille Day to honor US WWI troops (AP).

No U.S. Troops To Aid France In Africa But Current Support Will Continue

A United States Special Forces trainer instructed a group of soldiers from Chad as they conducted a mock raid in March. Credit Bryan Denton for The New York Times

New York Times: U.S. Military Offers Support, but Not Troops, to Aid France in Africa

NDJAMENA, Chad — In an unusual joint counterterrorism operation recently, troops from Mali, Mauritania and France seized a large cache of weapons and ammunition from a suspected Qaeda camp in a forested area along the border of the two African countries.

The raid provided a glimpse of an expanding and often violent multifront campaign that France has joined here in the Sahel, a vast area on the southern flank of the Sahara that stretches from Senegal to Sudan. Over the past several years, French troops have battled Al Qaeda’s North Africa affiliate and other Islamist extremists in Mali and have helped African troops thwart Boko Haram, a violent militancy that has spilled from Nigeria to attack Chad, Niger and Cameroon. The Islamic State is also a looming threat.

In the latest sign of an emerging regional collaboration, five countries within the Sahel — Mauritania, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger and Chad — announced recently that they would create three border areas for military patrols and operations. French troops are advising and assisting these units.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: From what I am reading I am getting the impression that the French are being strained with their overseas deployments. They should ask their European allies for help in Africa .... but I suspect the French already know what the answer will be, hence the request for more support from Washington. As for the U.S. they already have a lot on their plate, especially if this new deployment occurs .... Pentagon Open To Sending More US Troops To Somalia, Mattis Says (Task & Purpose).

President Obama And French President Hollande Meet To Plan Islamic State Fight

Wall Street Journal: Obama, France’s Hollande Vow to Step Up Fight Against Islamic State

The two presidents set conditions on Russian involvement in coalition

WASHINGTON—President Barack Obama and French President François Hollande agreed Tuesday on the need for European nations and others to contribute more to the U.S.-led military campaign against Islamic State, but said they don’t believe Russia should yet be included in the coalition.

Messrs. Obama and Hollande, appearing at the White House after meeting for the first time since the attacks in Paris, both said Syrian President Bashar al-Assad must step down as part of a political transition to end the conflict.

Mr. Obama suggested the U.S. would accept a political resolution that simply included “ Mr. Assad choosing not to run” in another election.

WNU Editor: French President Hollande will be meeting Russian President Putin this Thursday .... and here is an easy prediction .... the news coverage and world attention will be a few times larger than today's meeting between Presidents Obama and Hollande. It will also be after this meeting .... a day or two later .... that Russia will respond to Turkey's shooting down of a Russian military jet.

More News On Today's President Obama And French President Hollande Meet

François Hollande and Obama Meet to Plan ISIS Fight -- NYT
Paris attacks: Hollande and Obama to intensify anti-IS push -- BBC
Obama: Islamic State must be destroyed -- USA Today
Obama vows to work with France to prevent further terror attacks -- CBS
Obama Promises President Hollande US Stands in 'Total Solidarity' With France -- ABC News
Obama: We are all French now -- CNN
Obama, Hollande Declare Unified Stance in Fighting Islamic State -- Bloomberg
Obama, Hollande Say They Will Expand Attacks Against ISIS In Syria, Iraq -- NPR
Obama and Hollande to Putin: Focus on ISIS Rather Than Propping Up Assad -- Roll Call
Russia Plane Incident Complicates Obama-Hollande Talks -- AP