Pat Dollard

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French President Nicolas Sarkozy walks with Sheik Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates inside the presidential palace in Abu Dhabi.

From an article in The Christian Science Monitor By Julien Barnes-Darcey:

The French president, Nicolas Sarkozy, has wrapped up a tour of the Arab Gulf states, signing a number of significant military, nuclear, and economic deals that thrust France into a key regional role.

On Tuesday, agreement was reached with the United Arab Emirates granting France a permanent military base in the Gulf, the first for a Western power other than the United States.

“The base will be permanent. It will be the first such French base in the Gulf and it will face the Strait of Hormuz,” the strategic oil gateway out of the Gulf, a French presidential source told the French news agency Agence France-Presse.

Agreement was also reached to help the UAE develop civilian nuclear-energy facilities, including the construction of two nuclear-power reactors for Abu Dhabi. President Sarkozy also offered to help Saudi Arabia, which he visited before heading to the UAE, develop a civilian nuclear energy program.

“France responds to its friends,” said Sarkozy, calling the UAE deal “a sign to all that France is participating in the stability of this region.”

On top of military and nuclear deals, the presidential visit helped secure billions of dollars worth of business for French companies.

Observers say the agreements with Sunni Arab states and the establishment of a military base only a short distance from Iran reflect Sarkozy’s desire to ally himself with the US in countering Iranian influence.

Sarkozy has been active in calling for tough action against Iran’s nuclear program, which many suspect may have military as well as civilian applications.

What I want to know is…is there any truth to the rumor you married that hot babe last week Nic?