“Iran criticizes French base in UAE, warns of arms race”

“Iran criticizes French base in UAE, warns of arms race”
May 26 & 27, 2009
     Angelique Chrisafis writes that France’s new permanent military base in Abu Dhabi indicates France’s aims to work against Iran and develop military and commercial influence in the Middle East. Chrisafis argues the 500-troop base will “primarily send a warning message to Iran” (Guardian). Philippe Alfroy quotes an aide to President Sarkozy as saying that France is “deliberately taking a deterrent stance” against Iran. France also hopes to sell $8-11 billion of fighter jets to the UAE and develop two civil nuclear reactors (Agence France-Presse).
     Iran criticized the new base as being inconducive to regional security and warned that regional instability caused by militarism and foreign powers could lead to an arms race (Press TV). However, editorials in several Arab news sources have praised France-UAE cooperation for promoting regional stability (Gulf News). Emile Hokayem writes that France’s presence adds “a layer of international protection” in the face of a growing Iranian threat and a weakened US security umbrella (The National).
Guardian | Agence France-Presse | Press TV | Gulf News| The National