The United Arab Emirates is strategically engaging with Israel while professing support for a Palestinian state. Ambassador Yousef Al-Otaiba’s recent comments suggest plans to transform Gaza, reflecting the UAE’s complex geopolitical objectives that may not fully align with Arab consensus.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is strategically balancing its partnership with Israel while professing support for a Palestinian state. This nuanced position is highlighted by historian Jean-Pierre Filiu, particularly in the context of the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. Recently, Yousef Al-Otaiba, the UAE’s ambassador to the United States, suggested transforming the Gaza Strip into a thriving region akin to the Riviera, showcasing the UAE’s distinctive geopolitical stance.
Al-Otaiba has cultivated significant relationships with various U.S. leaders since his appointment in 2008, instrumental in negotiating the Abraham Accords, which established diplomatic relations between Israel and the UAE in 2020. His ongoing connections with influential figures, including former President Donald Trump, further underscore the UAE’s strategic ambitions in the region.
During international discussions, such as the recent Arab summit in Cairo, the UAE appeared to align formally with the Arab consensus advocating for Palestinian statehood. However, Al-Otaiba’s comments indicate a deeper, possibly conflicting agenda reflecting the true intentions of the UAE leadership, notably President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed and Foreign Minister Abdallah bin Zayed.
In conclusion, the United Arab Emirates is navigating a complex geopolitical landscape as it balances ambitions for a strategic partnership with Israel while publicly endorsing Palestinian statehood. Al-Otaiba’s remarks reveal an underlying agenda that may diverge from traditional Arab positions, suggesting that the UAE’s approach is multifaceted and influenced by historical relationships and broader regional aspirations.
Original Source: www.lemonde.fr
