Name? Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed
Westphalian identity? Emirati
Age? 48
Why is he in the news? Last month, India and Pakistan agreed to overcome differences through diplomatic means. A month later we learn that the Foreign Minister of the UAE, Sheik Abdullah bin Zayed; the brother of the Crown Prince and de facto leader Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has played an important role in the negotiations leading up to this agreement.
Why do we care? Because we care about the individuals behind world politics and as it is increasingly clear how important the role of Sheik Abdullah was, it is increasingly evident that we are on the right path. So woooh to us! Oh, and woooh to peace efforts between two long time enemies.
Why should you care? We are witnessing in the past few months rapprochements between many countries that have been considered impossible prior to this pandemic. IF there is an upside to all of this, it might be that countries are desperate enough for economic and political improvements that they are willing to overcome differences. Overall, it does make sense for India and Pakistan to solve their disputes in order to create more stability so a 7/10 on our how much you should care scale.
Who else cares? Imran Khan. The Prime Minister of Pakistan has been diagnosed with Covid-19 and we wish him all the best on his road to recovery. But not only do we, but India’s Prime Minister Modi also wished him all the best. This indicates a will to improve relations which is so badly needed since the relations worsened two years ago after a suicide attack in India-controlled Kashmir that killed 40 Indian soldiers.
Any further comments? Both Sheiks, MBZ and Abdullah, have turned the UAE into a diplomatic force in the region. The country has historical trade and diplomatic ties with India and Pakistan which allowed its role to become so pivotal to the talks.
