The U.S.-UAE Relationship Needs to Change
The United Arab Emirates, nicknamed “Little Sparta” by former U.S. Defense Secretary James Mattis due to Abu Dhabi’s dis-proportionate military capabilities relative to its small geographic size, is repeatedly highlighted as one of the United States’ most critical partners in the Middle East. According to this perspective, Abu Dhabi is a vital ally for deterring Iran, countering terrorism, and promoting regional stability.
Recently, the UAE has come to be considered an essential component of Washington’s desire to “offshore” its regional burdens in the Middle East as it pivots to Asia. Although the UAE may at times engage in regional interventions or commit human rights abuses, this point of view argues that such actions are not harmful to U.S. interests and the country remains a symbol of stability and progress in a turbulent neighborhood.
The Biden administration appears to have assumed this position, approving the $23 billion weapons sale (which includes
