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France Dives Into Gulf With Base

Posted Jan 16, 08 12:37 PM CST in World 

(Newser) – President Nicholas Sarkozy returned to France yesterday with accords that will make his country a major player in the Persian Gulf, the Christian Science Monitor reports. France will soon have a permanent military base on the United Arab Emirates' side of the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil pathway; it will also help the UAE build civilian nuclear reactors, netting billions for French businesses.

This represents a huge strategic shift, because France has traditionally focused on areas it once colonized. Some see it as a further means of buddying up with the US in countering Iranian influence, while others see France establishing itself as an alternative to American presence. “France responds to its friends,” Sarkozy said. “France is participating in the stability of this region.”

Source Christian Science Monitor

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French President Nicolas Sarkozy, second left, with Qatar's Crown Prince Sheik Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, right, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2008. Sarkozy attended Monday the signing of a euro 470 million (US$700...   (Associated Press)
United Arab Emirates Sheik Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, foreground, and French President Nicolas Sarkozy listen to national anthems upon Sarkozy's arrival at the presidential palace in Abu Dhabi, Tuesday,...   (Associated Press)
Emir of Qatar Sheik Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, right, welcomes France's President Nicolas Sarkozy at Doha airport, Qatar, Monday, Jan. 14, 2008. Sarkozy is in Qatar for a two-day official visit before...   (Associated Press)
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France  • Nicolas Sarkozy  • Persian Gulf  • United Arab Emirates  • Strait of Hormuz


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