Last week, one of the smallest and most peaceful countries in the region took the initiative to do something about the pressing problem in Iraq. The United Arab Emirates called into the League of Arab States, giving Saddam Hussein two weeks to step down into exile.
The Iraqi conflict in the Middle East has been like a lion’s den, which most of the Middle Eastern countries want to keep under control. Leaders such as President Housnie Mubarak of Egypt want Saddam out of the picture.
They know Saddam is a threat to the Middle Eastern region, and as long as the Iraqi president stays in power, more damage will be done. However, none of the countries have had enough courage to step up and do something, until the UAE showed the initiative.
The UAE is usually considered to be among the weakest countries in the Middle East. Although the country is rich with oil, and most of the citizens are able to live nice, luxurious and comfortable lives, the UAE doesn’t have much say in Middle Eastern politics.
In fact, whenever important decisions need to be made in such leagues as the League of Arab States, like other gulf countries such as Bahrain and Kuwait, UAE just follows Saudi Arabia in how to vote. Saudi Arabia is the parent country in the Middle Eastern Gulf, and the surrounding, smaller countries are considered to be its children.
Both Egypt and Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern countries do not want to go against another Middle Eastern leader. They want to portray a united Arab front to the rest of the world. If they go against Saddam, they will be going against an Arab country and leader.
Some may be ecstatic the UAE has made such a bold move. They may believe Saddam will become more cautious in the worldwide chess game he is playing.
Though it’s great to see the UAE break its traditional mold by coming out and displaying its opposition against Saddam while other stronger countries like Egypt and Saudi Arabia have been hiding under their bed covers, the UAE really has no power over Saddam. The UAE government can’t force Saddam out of power, because the country does not have any defense of its own, and have little military strength.
Other Middle Eastern countries need to rally behind the UAE. Intimidating countries need to show they have no support for the Iraqi president, and that they want him to step down from his seat. Forcing Saddam into exile could save the Middle East from enduring another war.
