Scenarios for going/not going to the French staged photo-op....

[Renew Deal]

If Obama goes he is criticized for entering himself in the middle of Europe's matters, seeking attention and taking it away from the victims.
If Obama doesn't go he is criticized for not supporting our allies.
If Obama sends someone in his place the US is criticized for sending a second tier official when other nations sent their leaders.

It was lose, lose, lose all the way around. I think not going was the best thing for Obama/the US. Obama will make it up to them militarily (to say the least).

[Fumesucker]

1. I think they played it brilliantly

Dodged the worthy photo op and apologized and said they were wrong for missing it.

That was one of the most disgustingly blatant displays of hypocrisy I've seen in a while, I'm thoroughly glad the US had nothing to do with it.

[okaawhatever]

2. I think the French didn't want the additional threat to security and admitting as much would have

made them look weak so they made an agreement to have Obama not go and have the French government not criticize the move. They also didn't want Netanyahu or Abbas there for security reasons. Both of them more or less invited themselves. The French had all they could handle with the mourners, they didn't need the additional headache. The logistics coordination alone would have been epic.

[former9thward]

3. Oh yeah, 50 world leaders there but one more and the

"logistics coordination alone would have been epic".

No it would not. And not a single link to your allegations.