It’s not at all surprising that one of the Arab world’s most senior diplomats is eager for the United States to attack Iran. The unusual part is that the diplomat, the United Arab Emirates’ ambassador to the United States, said that at a very public forum, in Aspen, Colo., earlier this month.
Arab officials, particularly leaders of the gulf states, are not at all reticent to discuss their concerns about Iran’s nuclear program – in private talks with visiting presidents and foreign ministers. But there seems to be an unwritten rule that little if anything be said in public, even though Iran and the Arab world are actually fighting a private little war.
The reason for that is simple. Who complains the loudest about Iran? Israel first. The United States second. Which Arab leader wants to stand up and proclaim agreement with Jerusalem and Washington – even indirectly?
With considerable understatement, Steven Cook, an Arab-world expert with the Council on Foreign Relations, noted: “There’s very little incentive for Arab leaders to sign up with Israel or the United States.”
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