(Newswire.net — January 20, 2017) — The recent bombing attack on the Governor’s complex in Kandahar has hit home for the family members of five United Arab Emirates (UAE) relief workers. The victims included Mohammed Ali Zainal Al Bastaki, Abdullah Mohammed Essa Obaid Al Kaabi, Ahmed Rashid Salim Ali Al Mazroui, Ahmed Abdul Rahman Ahmad Al Tunaiji, and Abdul Hamid Sultan Abdullah Ibrahim Al Hammadi
In private ceremonies, Sheikh Mohammad Bin Hamad Bin Mohammad Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah and His Highness Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, the ruler of Ras Al Khaimah offered their condolences to family member on January 16th. The ceremonies highlighted the tremendous bonds between the leaders of the UAE and their subjects. One that includes supporting missions to bring peace and stability to war-torn Afghanistan.
The UAE has always sought to promote regional peace, security, stability, and development in the region. In fact, its role not only includes activities in Afghanistan but also Yemen, where it was the largest aid donor to the embattled country in 2015.
As such, the country and its leaders are setting an example for a region which is during a power struggle between Saudi Arabia and Iran. With its strategic position, the United Arab Emirates is possibly the only Gulf Coast Country which can act as a force for stability.
In 2011, the former Prime Minister of France, François Fillon, noted as much during a state visit. According to Mr. Fillon, ‘the UAE’s contribution to regional stability [and] the level of Emirati external aid is exceptional.’
While the political situation in the region has in some ways worsened since 2011, the commitment of the UAE to fostering peace and stability has not. However, many tests remain. For example, the increased uncertainty caused by the ongoing conflicts in Syria and Yemen, the fight against the Islamic State, the reintegration of Iran into the global community, and attempts to return peace to Iraq.
As such, the current climate is as uncertain as ever. Add to it the fact that China, Russia, and the United States are actively jockeying for position in the region and the need for the role of the UAE has never been more important.
The country enjoys diplomatic relationships with 189 countries around the world and this allows it to be a voice for openness and collaboration of the world stage. One exception would be Israel, but even that is changing. In 2015, the Israeli Government announced plans to open a diplomatic mission in Abu Dhabi. While this mission will officially be part of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), observers believe it is a first step towards overcoming some of the issues which have separated the two countries in the past.
Another development which has helped the UAE to bring stability to the region is the enactment of reforms following the Arab Spring which shook much of the region five years ago.