In December 1971 when the late Sheikh Zayed Al-Nahyan united seven disparate emirates into the United Arab Emirates, the United States was quick to recognize the independence of this nascent nation of one million in the heart of the energy-rich Persian Gulf. That gesture of goodwill 40 years ago has blossomed into a deep-seated multi-dimensional relationship that has transformed the U.A.E. as one of America's most important allies.
While the emirate of Dubai has certainly captured the attention of many in the West as a financial hub and tourist destination, it is Abu Dhabi that plays a leading role in shaping the nature of relations with Washington. Indeed, the tone and tenor of U.S.-U.A.E. relations is set by Abu Dhabi's 50 year-Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed. A graduate of Sandhurst, Britain's premier military academy, Sheikh Mohammed is a visionary leader who sees relations with Washington as anchored in two human virtues: the soul and the mind.
This emphasis on the soul explains his commitment to philanthropy and why a major component of relations with the United States revolves around charitable donations. Whether donating money to victims of Katrina or computers to devastated schools in Joplin, Missouri, Sheikh Mohammed has been at the forefront. Not surprisingly, he has stood side by side with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in the global fight against malaria with a $25 million donation and a recent $50 million contribution to fighting polio in Afghanistan and Pakistan through the Child Polio Eradication Program. Despite being one of the world's largest oil exporters, the vulnerability of our plant to global warming and a religious obligation to protect the environment prompted Sheikh Mohammed to initiate the building of the world's first carbon-free city called Masdar in Abu Dhabi. This solar city will be the hub for clean tech companies from around the world and headquarters of the International Renewable Energy Agency.
Beyond being moved by his soul, it is Sheikh Mohammed's clear thinking strategic mind that plays a key role in shaping U.S.-U.A.E. relations and by default protecting the vulnerable yet strategic energy resources of the Persian Gulf. If the clerics in Iran represent the arc of instability in the Middle East, Abu Dhabi represents the arc of stability. The regime in Tehran continues to meddle in the internal affairs of its neighbors and supports terrorist organizations. Therefore, if Iran were to develop a nuclear weapon the consequences for the region would be devastating. Sheikh Mohammed understands this existential threat and luckily for Washington has been the architect of a close strategic, defense and security relationship between the U.S. and U.A.E. According to the Pentagon, the value of military sales to the U.A.E. stands at almost $22 billion. In addition, the U.A.E. hosts more U.S. navy ships than any port outside of the U.S. Not surprisingly, it is the most active Arab partner in Operation Enduring Freedom. Furthermore, the U.A.E. continues to play a critical role in efforts to curb and stop nuclear proliferation. According to American officials, it has shown leadership in taking important steps to enforce export controls and to ensure that sensitive items do not make their way to Iran.
The breadth of America's relations with this discreet but reliable ally was expanded recently when Sheikh Mohammed gave his blessing to a transparent nuclear energy program. By actively seeking to set an example of responsible, transparent and non-proliferative use of nuclear energy the U.A.E. has clearly distinguished itself from Iran's secretive and dangerous nuclear weapons program. "The agreement is a tangible expression of the United States' desire for a close cooperation with the U.A.E.," said Ellen Tauscher of the State Department "and it is part of a strong and mutually beneficial political, security and economic relationship." The weight of available evidence from inside Iran suggests that the Iranian people are now questioning their own government's motives now that their neighbor has gotten the blessing of the U.S. and international community to adopt nuclear energy as an element of its economic development strategy.
The Arab League has also been energized by the U.A.E.'s active encouragement of and support for the people of Libya and Syria. Sheikh Mohammed clearly understands that good governance must take root in the Arab world if this creative and capable people are to take their rightful place amongst the community of nations. While some in the West may be critical of the slow pace of reform in the Arab world, the recent steps by rulers such as Sheikh Mohammed are encouraging.
Of equal importance to Sheikh Mohammed is the development of a true people-to-people relationship between America and the U.A.E. Today, more than 30,000 Americans live and work in the UAE, and over 750 American companies are doing business there. In addition, as the key decision maker behind Abu Dhabi's massive investment authority, he has directed billions of dollars into the purchase of U.S. Treasury assets, thus allowing for lower interest rates, which in turn helps American consumers.
In the combustible landscape of the Middle East, the United States is fortunate to have a good friend and ally in Abu Dhabi.