France sets up new base to fight pirates, guard oil lanes

Very good. Vive la France!

Who told France they could have a base?

Good and good. Now, can we get a UN piracy tribunal up and running so we can try some of these bastards?

5 pirates went on trial in the Netherlands last week for attempting to capture a vessel sailing under the flag of the Dutch Antilles. The main trial won't be until the autumn of this year though and meanwhile the pirates are quite happy and comfortable in a Dutch detention facility with all comforts. That's justice for you.

"France's first major military foothold in the Gulf"

Better watch out! The Gulf is in close proximity to Iraq!

Time to start studying french.

Go French Foreign Legion!! Take out those poor misunderstood pirates that don't mean to hurt anyone and be a baddie just like the big bad great satan of america. I'm sure the liberals will love you for it.

More empty posturing.

The French are not willing and able to address the problem any more than any other of the impotent, declining Western countries.

That's right willi. Have you got your burkha ready?

Madverts:

No burka for me. Males don´t need to be kept under cover. Which you would know if you did your homework.