The United Arab Emirates, or "Little Sparta," in the fight against the Islamic State
In the UAE, the United States has a quiet, potent ally nicknamed ‘Little Sparta’
I thought this was a fascinating article, not just because of the great level of cooperation and fielding an air base where US and UAE fighter jets fly together to bomb targets in Iraq and Syria, but also because of the various diplomatic nuances elucidated for this US-UAE relationship. For instance, the UAE's obvious fears about Iran, making clear to the White House its discomfort over the Iranian nuclear program and possible lifting of sanctions. They've also prepared their soldiers for a possible confrontation with Iran by churning out some 1,200 UAE veterans in the War in Afghanistan (since they joined coalition troops in 2003, pulling the last of them out this year). They also have an obvious interest in opposing Iran's allies such as Bashir al-Assad in Syria, but recognize the danger of Sunni Islamist militants like those in the Islamic State. The UAE argues that it is the closest partner and ally the US has in the Arab world, even more so than Saudi Arabia.
Another little fact: the Al-Dhafra Air Base in the UAE is the only air base in the world that hosts US F-22 Raptors outside of US soil.
To be honest, I would rather we make nice with Iran so long as we can guarantee the curbing of their nuclear program. Yet if and when ISIS is defeated, Iran and its Sunni neighbors like the UAE will cease to find a common cause. I'm pretty sure the diplomatic overtures made by the US to Iran as of late have worried every Sunni Arab nation that considers itself a friend of the US.
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Originally Posted by Markas
It's certainly not to be taken literally or with exhaustive comparisons to the real ancient city-state of Sparta.
conditions they work under, ridiculously expensive cars being driven with reckless abandon, the number of Russian prostitutes plying their trade... and how few actual Arabs you see there.
