UAE – How has Mohammed bin Zayed solved intractable state crises? Details
In recent years, as he has taken over the helm of matters from his brother who was suffering from the disease, President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed of the United Arab Emirates has succeeded in resolving many crises and issues in the Arab region and restoring relations with some Arab countries, bringing them back to the Arab side.
Analysts said bin Zayed’s actions blocked Iran, especially in Syria and Iraq, and gave the Yemeni people a strong moral boost with humanitarian aid that helped them maintain their stance against the Houthis.
Relations with Syria
After years of boycotting Syria, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan has re-established contacts with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to block Iran’s plans to strip Syria of its Arab identity and return it to the region.
Observers believe that assuming official responsibility will give bin Zayed greater authority and freedom to complete his support and development role in the Arab region.
A diplomatic source said that bin Zayed still has a lot to offer the Arab region, especially Syria, Iraq, Libya, Yemen and Sudan.
He said Bin Zayed’s growing role in the region will have a greater impact in the coming period, as he will work to resolve many issues with his partners in the region, notably Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Egyptian President Abdul Fattah el-Sisi, where the trio forms a strong alliance.
Analysts say that after more than 11 years of a break in relations between Syria and the Arab world, the United Arab Emirates succeeded in bringing Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad back to the Arab world by surprise visit.
At the end of 2018, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed ordered the reopening of its embassy in Damascus.
A diplomatic source said: “Bin Zayed faced American obstacles and plans to isolate Syria after Bin Zayed sent his foreign minister to Syria last November and met with Assad”.
He added that this step provoked US anger, but Bin Zayed did not pay attention to the US position and insisted on returning Syria to the Arabs.
Iraq and Bin Zayed
Since 2012, Mohammed bin Zayed has stepped up his support for Iraq in the face of Iranian influence and has offered his support to Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi.
Experts said UAE-Iraqi relations witnessed new development last year when the two countries exchanged visits and concluded several bilateral agreements to strengthen economic and investment relations and joint cooperation in various fields.
Bin Zayed’s directives include the establishment of a parliamentary friendship committee between the two chambers and the advancement of joint parliamentary work between the two countries, they said.
Observers said the Iraqi people consider Bin Zayed a savior for them against Iranian influence and their way back to the Arab world.
Relations between the UAE and Iraq depend primarily on the economic aspect, as well as the UAE’s support of Iraq in its war against ISIS and the Gulf state’s keenness and participation in the process of rebuilding Iraq.
The beginning of strengthening relations came with the peak of the coronavirus outbreak and Iraq was very affected by it.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed played a very big role by sending medical aid and continuing coordination and exchange of scientific and research expertise.
Analysts said the relationship has raised Iranian concerns because UAE support could spoil Iranian plans in the region.
