UAE Ready to Assume Security Responsibilities in the Middle East

The Foreign Minister of the United Arab Emirates stated that as the country can no longer rely on its Western allies like the United States and Britain, it is prepared to deploy military forces across the Middle East to confront its enemies. According to Reuters, the UAE is filling the void left by the policies of the Obama administration in the region by sending money and military forces to strengthen local armies and establish military bases throughout the Middle East and Africa. Anwar Mohammed Gargash, the UAE's Foreign Minister, said in a speech in London: "In the current international system, it is no longer possible for others to come to the region and guarantee your security by writing a check. We must accept part of this responsibility." The UAE has been involved in the war in Yemen against Iranian-backed Houthi rebels for over three years and supports groups fighting Islamists in Libya and other countries. The country is engaged in a regional struggle with its main rival, Iran, alongside its close ally Saudi Arabia, with each accusing the other of creating instability in the region. Gargash expressed concern about the differing views among Western countries on how to deal with the Iranian government. He added during his speech at the Policy Exchange research institute: "We really hope that current U.S. efforts will lead to a change in Iranian government behavior, and we are worried about what appears to be a disagreement between the U.S. and Europe in dealing with Iran." Reuters adds that from the perspective of the UAE government, the U.S. administration's firm policies against Iran's harmful actions and missile programs will be more effective than Europe's efforts to preserve the JCPOA. The U.S. government withdrew from the international nuclear agreement with Iran, which was approved about three years ago, in May of this year. Gargash also mentioned that after millions of dollars were seized from a UAE civilian aircraft in Mogadishu, the country is working to facilitate negotiations with the Somali government. The Somali coast, located across from Yemen, is very close to international shipping routes. He added: "Currently, efforts are underway to mediate between us and Somalia. We are willing to continue our activities, but we have clearly stated that we have been treated unfairly regarding the transfer of this money, which exceeds nine million dollars, and for this reason, we demand an apology."