The recent meeting between His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, with US President Donald Trump had received an important media attention. The meeting was held about a week before the important summit that will take place in Saudi Arabia between Trump and the leaders of the GCC countries, as well as the leaders of some Arab and Islamic countries.
This meeting is important as it deals with files of exceptional priority in the agenda of the two countries, especially terrorism and Iran. These two files are of exceptional interest to the UAE decision-maker. The UAE views terrorism as a global challenge that deserves more attention. The UAE realized this danger early. Years ago, the UAE dealt seriously with the emergence of political projects and plans of Islamic political movements and did not exploit them to achieve strategic interests. The UAE preserves its principles in dealing with this thorny file. The UAE’s government totally refuses to use militias and organizations to achieve its interests. The UAE hold tight to the principle of preserving the sovereignty of the national state.
The double standard in dealing with extremism and terrorism is the main reason for the spread of terrorism in our Arab region. The classification of terrorism into good terrorism, malicious terrorism ,extreme and more extreme terrorism, as well as labeling some terrorist organizations as being moderates is a long term danger.
Since the general disorder in in 201, the UAE has taken the decision not to deal with systems of chaos and regional proxy agents that wreak havoc in some Arabic countries on behalf of other States.
The UAE has stated frankly, since the beginning of the chaos, that the Arab national security is an integral part of the security of the United Arab Emirates. This principle has been stressed more than once by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. This principle could have changed the situation in the region if all the Arab countries have been committed to it.
President Trump is aware that His Highness Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan is an Arab leader who seeks regional and global security and stability, and who is keen to fight terrorism in a serious way. The timing of the meeting a few days before the US-Islamic dialogue, represents a very important opportunity for the new US administration to identify the regional and international weight of the UAE on how to deal with complex regional issues.
The alliance between the US and the UAE is the official frame of the relationships between the two countries. It is necessary for the Arabs to give their true opinion about the American role, especially after the series of frustrations under Obama administration.
President Trump said about His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan “He is a special person… I respect him and I know he loves his country and I think he loves the United States of America “This is an objective statement of an expert in humanitarianism with a large background in economics, which is no less complicated than the political field. American president’s respect for an important person such as His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has deep dimensions. President Trump used to send messages about his impressions of the leaders he has met. He is keen to broadcast these messages, both positive and negative, as he did during his joint press meetings with some leaders of the major countries where he has published comments and photos through social media. Trump’s direct statement reflects his recognition of the status of the UAE in the new regional order which President Trump seeks to build in the Middle East. The statement also reflects Trump’s personal recognition of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who was keen to put his humanitarian mark on the final communiqué issued after the talks. The communiqué reflected the keenness of both sides to exert more efforts to sort out the crises, reduce the aggravation and deterioration of the humanitarian situation in the region, and to consolidate the foundations of its security and stability. His Highness declared these points to be the priorities in all situations and events, as he is a leader who seeks to achieve regional and international security and peace.
The US-UAE meeting reasserts the UAE’s position and affirms its strategic vision aimed at defusing regional crises through effective partnership with the American ally.
