France will soon become the only Western nation outside of the United States with a permanent military base in the Persian Gulf, reports the Washington Post. French President Nicolas Sarkozy signed the deal with United Arab Emirates President Sheik Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahyan during a three-day tour through Persian Gulf states.

The base, set to open in 2009, will house at least 400 French soldiers and support personnel.

The move reflects two dangerous shifts in Middle East politics centering around waning U.S. strength in the region and the waxing influence of Iran—and Europe. America’s lack of a decisive victory in Iraq and the upcoming presidential change only decrease Washington’s credibility as a powerful ally.

The other option for Mideast states is Europe—and Europe appears ready to collaborate in countering the Iranian threat. “French officials said the uae military base … is intended in part to warn Iran against taking steps toward any of its neighbors” (Washington Post,January 16).

France is already a major weapons supplier for the uae. An active member in the European Union, France will now have troops stationed in Abu Dhabi, just across the Gulf from Iran.

TheTrumpet.com has written extensively about the coming clash between Iran and a unified European power. Europe’s imprint in the Middle East will increase. The establishment of the Abu Dhabi base is just the beginning of Europe moving its military might into the Middle East. For more information, read The King of the South.