CHIRACS NEW ARAB POLICY AND MIDDLE-EAST CHALLENGES - THE ARAB-ISRAELICONFLICT, IRAQ AND IRAN

President Jacques Chirac's 'new Arab policy' is aimed at reversing Fra nce's marginalization as a political player in the Middle East and rea sserting its role as an active and influential player in the region. Y et Chirac's ambitious agenda may be difficult to implement in view of the fact that the United States is determined to maintain its predomin ant position in the region. Although the United States continues to do minate the Arab-Israeli peace process, France's strategy of pursuing a n active foreign policy has been strengthened by support from the Unit ed Nations and the European Union.