The article discusses the recent visit of UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed al-Nahyan to the White House, which signifies deepening ties between the UAE and the U.S., particularly against a backdrop of regional conflicts. It critiques the insufficient attention given to Sudan’s civil war during the meeting, particularly the UAE’s role in supporting the RSF amidst serious human rights abuses. The article highlights the geopolitical complexities involving various powers in Sudan, and contemplates the inconsistency in U.S. policy concerning its ethical commitments and strategic partnerships.
President Mohamed bin Zayed al-Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) recently became the first Emirati leader to visit the White House, symbolizing the expanding collaboration between the UAE and the United States, prominently amid regional conflicts such as those in Gaza and the Israeli-Lebanese border. The Biden administration unveiled new cooperation areas including advancements in artificial intelligence, space exploration, clean energy, and defense, with the UAE officially designated as a “major defense partner,” a label it shares only with India. However, the discussions concerning Sudan’s civil strife revealed a lack of clarity on the UAE’s role in exacerbating the conflict. Despite acknowledging their “deep concern” over the violence that has claimed an estimated 20,000 lives and displaced millions, the joint communique covering Sudan constituted only a small fraction of the overall dialogue. Notably, the UAE’s involvement is critical, as it has supported the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) led by General Mohamed Hamdan “Hemedti” Dagalo, accused of severe human rights abuses against the non-Arab Masalit people. Reports indicate that the UAE has supplied the RSF with advanced weaponry and military intelligence, under the guise of humanitarian efforts, particularly in Chad, where it allegedly operates field hospitals for Sudanese refugees. The civil war has drawn in various geopolitical rivals, with Iran backing Sudan’s Armed Forces (SAF) led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and previous Russian support for the RSF now shifting towards the SAF as well. The intertwined interests of these external actors complicate the situation further, with both Iran and Russia seeking influence over Sudan’s strategic Red Sea ports. Moreover, President Biden’s statements reflect a delicate balancing act, as he emphasizes the need to halt support for warring factions while simultaneously fostering closer ties with the UAE. This duality raises questions regarding the commitment of the U.S. to its stated principles in light of realpolitik considerations. In summary, while the Biden administration formally expresses concerns over the humanitarian crisis in Sudan, it has not publicly pressed the UAE to curtail its military support for a faction implicated in horrendous atrocities, thereby revealing a tension between moral imperatives and strategic interests.
The ongoing civil war in Sudan has led to catastrophic humanitarian consequences, with significant civilian casualties and widespread displacement. The conflict has evolved into a complex battle involving various external powers, each supporting different factions. Key players include the UAE, which backs the RSF, Iran supporting the Sudanese Armed Forces, and Russia, which has shifted its support away from the RSF to the SAF. This geopolitical chess game complicates international responses to the crisis, which the U.S. is navigating amid its strategic partnerships in the region.
In conclusion, the recent White House meeting between President Biden and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed al-Nahyan highlighted both the strengthening of U.S.-UAE ties and the complicated reality of the Sudanese civil war. While general expressions of concern for Sudan’s humanitarian crisis were made, the absence of explicit actions to hold the UAE accountable for its role in supplying arms to the RSF reveals an uncomfortable contradiction in U.S. foreign policy, straddling moral obligations and strategic interests.
Original Source: www.washingtonpost.com
