North Africa/Middle East:Contribution for a France's Voluntarist Policy Avicenne Report, April 2007, with the contribution of Denis Bauchard, Adviser, North Africa/Middle East Unit, Ifri.

On the eve of the presidential elections, a reflexion group has gathered researchers and diplomates who have been involved for many years in the relationship between France and North African/Middle Eastern countries. The conclusion of their workshop has been formally released in the 'Avicenne Report ', from the name of that 10th century Aristotle's follower, originated from Persia and writing in Arabic, an emblematic personnality who succeeded in synthetizing Oriental and Occidental thoughts. Denis Bauchard, Adviser for North Africa and Middle East at Ifri, has taken part in these works.
We have deemed it of interest to publish on Ifri's site such a contribution on France's policy in a very sensitive area where this country is holding vital interests.
Ideas expressed in this document are committing their authors only.