The UAE Minister is mistaken
The uncalled for tirade by the UAE’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs displays a supreme ignorance of diplomatic norms and sensitivities of international relations. The realisation on the Minister’s part that Arab security ‘from Libya to Yemen’ is the responsibility of none but Arab countries comes, alas, somewhat late in the day. Had it been there fifteen years earlier Iraq, Libya and Syria would not have suffered the devastation caused by fratricidal tendencies in the Arab world. One wishes it had come before President Obama’s rebuff to the habit to call the US for help every time the Arab states faced the consequences of what Obama calls “terrible human rights abuses”. Being still dependent for their security on Washington, the impotent rage caused by Obama’s remarks has been directed wrongly towards Pakistan.
The UAE Minister needs to be reminded that there is nothing vague or contradictory in Pakistan’s stand. The Parliament issued a clear and unambiguous statement after a five-day long debate. Pakistan wants to put an end to the ongoing infighting in Yemen through a peaceful resolution of the crisis. This requires it to play a mediatory role in collaboration with other Muslim countries who are not considered a party to the crisis or the subsequent bombing. For this it has not only to be neutral but also seen to be so by the warring factions in the strife torn country. A Pakistani flag carried by Yemenis demonstrating for peace vindicates the Parliament’s stand. The resolution expresses ‘unequivocal support’ for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and affirms that in case of violation of its territorial integrity or any threat to Haramain Sharifain, Pakistan will stand shoulder to shoulder with the Kingdom and its people. What is vague or contradictory in the stand?
Pakistan being a responsible and civilised country needs to react to the ill-conceived threats of the UAE Minister with dignity and poise. Hopefully this is an irrational reaction from an individual or a single country. Pakistan government should meanwhile go ahead to implement the Parliament’s statement in letter and spirit.