Like the US, France also pushes for freedom in the Gulf

""France's president opened talks with top leaders in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday in hopes of pushing ahead efforts to sell up to 60 Rafale fighter jets to the United Arab Emirates and strengthen French ties in Gulf energy and defense industries. The meetings by Francois Hollande, which include the UAE's president and head of the armed forces, also could test Gulf Arab support for France's attempts to weaken Islamist insurgents in Mali, including airstrikes launched last week."" (thanks Amir)