Adviser to UAE president warns of regional gridlock without strategic shifts

Arab News

5 days ago

DUBAI: Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the UAE president, defended the country's foreign policy and addressed the Arab world's uncertain geopolitical landscape during a panel discussion at the Arab Media Summit in Dubai.
'How can you explain everything that is happening in the Arab world now?' asked Taher Baraka, presenter at Al Arabiya.
Gargash responded with a single word: 'Uncertainty.'
Elaborating on this theme, he pointed to the fragile resurgence of nations such as Syria and Lebanon as central to the region's current volatility.
'We have two Arab worlds,' he said. 'There is the GCC, and then there are Arab countries that are suffering.'
Gargash emphasized the UAE's proactive foreign policy, which he described as essential to fostering stability and peace for the Emirati people.
'We know we have to address the problems in our region,' he said. 'Yes, there are challenges — but there is also significant potential.'
He also addressed criticism surrounding the UAE's decision to normalize ties with Israel, a move that has sparked debate across the Arab world.
'Normalization is being used as a scare tactic,' he said. 'But it is a sovereign decision, and for us, it was the right choice.'
Despite this stance, Gargash reaffirmed the UAE's enduring support for the Palestinian cause.
'Our commitment to the Palestinian people and their right to a state remains unchanged. Their suffering brings us real pain,' he said.
Gargash argued that without normalization, the Arab world risks clinging to outdated strategies that perpetuate conflict and division.
Using the metaphor of a 'bottleneck,' he described the political paralysis in Syria and Lebanon, where armed militias continue to undermine national sovereignty.
'We cannot have two armies in one country,' he said. 'We need realistic priorities.'
Gargash highlighted the UAE's role in supporting crisis-hit nations, pointing to the large Lebanese and Syrian diasporas in the Emirates.
'The UAE has been the breathing lungs for Lebanon and Syria during the height of their crises. Many of their citizens came here and thrived. If they can innovate here, they can innovate in Lebanon or Syria,' he said.