Syria:French President Stands By Obama

French President Francois Hollande is intent on punishing the regime of Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad for his use of chemical weapons against his own people,in defiance of the international community.He is prepared to do this with France's significant miltary assets,which are ranked as sixth in the Global Firepower top ten-just behind the UK and just ahead of Germany.These include the Dassault Mirage 2000 fighter;the Dassault Rafale fighter;and the Dassault-Breguet Super Etendard.
France has an aircraft carrier,the Charles de Gaulle,which can launch a number of fighter aircraft into battle with their bombs and air to ground missiles.Aircraft are also stationed on the island of Corsica in the Mediterranean,and these may be scrambled for any action against Syria.As well,France possesses the Storm Shadow air-launched cruise missile.
Mr.Hollande does not have to get the French Parliament's approval to task the armed forces.He will not send them against Damascus alone,however.He wants to have allies participating in military action,so he is waiting for Washington to get itself organised.
Besides France's air power,its navy has 180 ships,including 22 frigates;9 corvettes;10 submarines;and 4 amphibious asault ships.Total active frontline personnel in the French military number 362,485,plus 419,000 active reserve.The army is not expected to be used against Syria,but it has 571 tanks;6728 armoured fighting vehicles;and 251 self-propelled guns.