January 18, 2008
The French Base in Abu Dhabi
Abu Aardvark tries to make sense of the “stunning announcement” that the French are setting up a military base in Abu Dhabi.
The blogger, Marc Lynch, a political-science professor at George Washington University, writes:
“I think this is the first non-American military base in the Gulf since the British pulled out in 1971 — if not, certainly the most high-profile one in a long, long time. Early spin has suggested that this will allow France to better cooperate with the US against Iran, but this seems shortsighted. A long-term French strategic position in the Gulf challenges American exclusivity, and potentially undermines the fundamental architecture of the hegemonic American position in the Gulf. Perhaps Sarkozy truly is a neo-Gaullist after all….”
But Lynch invites some “informed commentary” on the matter. And so do we.
Alex Kafka | Posted on Friday January 18, 2008 | PermalinkComments
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Worried about the military presence of the French? Surely Lynch has to be kidding.
French Commander: “Ready! Aim! Retreat!!
— Fred Jan 18, 03:40 PM #
Fred, you underestimate the French. They have been responsible for a lot of mischief in Africa.
— Renee Jan 22, 04:01 PM #