The United Arab Emirates is officially not much more than a base for Western armies in the Middle East. The confederation of seven emirates already is home to several American military bases; including the Al Dhafra air base and Jebel Ali port.

American bases have been operating in the U.A.E. for several years now and one can even see some interest in their presence for the Arab nation. The United Arab Emirates does see the United States are ensuring its sovereignty. I would argue that the U.A.E. faces no threats to its sovereignty from any nation, but nonetheless one may see the American presence as necessary and benign especially with the prospect of an nuclear-armed Iran which may flex muscle in the region.

But what is to be gained from allowing for a French and Australian base? Take about threats to one sovereignty. Is there any bigger threat to a nation’s sovereignty than the presence of a myriad of foreign troops?

America is one thing. It is a global hegemonic power with over 100 bases around the world. The United States has over 30,000 troops in Germany alone! America has strategic interest in the Gulf and the ruling monarchs feel more secure in their throne with the U.S.’ presence. But why France?

France’s foreign bases hardly extend beyond Djibouti. What justifies a French base in Abu Dhabi? Whatever the reason the French sought and the al-Maktoum ruling dynasty acquiesced to a French base that will open this May.

And now this:

The [Australian] Federal Government has moved to permanently base Australia’s various Middle Eastern regional military assets in the United Arab Emirates. In return, Australia has about 30 personnel in the UAE training its fast-growing special forces troopers.

Behind the details of the arrangement are the two countries’ larger needs. Australia has decided to stop pretending. Instead of pretending that we are occasional visitors to the Middle East, only rushing in when the US decides to go to war there and rushing out again when it finishes, Australia is now acknowledging that it has permanent interests in the area.

Et tu, Australia?

Does the U.A.E. have any sense of dignity and respect? Or does it prefer to the the carpet on which Western troops wipe their boots?