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United Arab Emirates

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Profile

UAE was one of three countries that had recognized the former Taliban regime, later severing its diplomatic relations after the September 11 attacks on the US. Nevertheless, the UAE supported the American invasion of Afghanistan and even dispatched special forces alongside American Green Berets to fight the Taliban and provided aid and reconstruction support to the Afghan people. UAE and the regional countries competed for influence in Afghanistan. Before the collapse, Abu Dhabi and Ankara competed to provide security for Kabul airport after the planned withdrawal of international forces in 2021, with the former favored by Ghani's administration. The Emirati government competed with Qatar to mediate the peace talks. After the collapse of the western-backed Afghan government, the UAE served as a point of conduit for the Afghan evacuees and airlifted 39,000 Afghans. It also provided refuge to former Afghan president Ashraf Ghani after he fled Kabul. The UAE resumed its diplomatic mission in Kabul and commercial flights to Kabul, serving as the main gateway into Afghanistan. It secured the sought after Kabul airport security project from the Taliban regime.

Key Interests & Priorities

1. Global Politics

The UAE watched its rival Qatar becoming closer to the US, which concerned them. Beyond these concerns, they have broader foreign policy goals: they want a positive relationship with the US administration. That is why Abu Dhabi was quick to help evacuate foreign diplomats following the fall of Kabul. It went on to provide a transit hub and processing center for approximately 39,000 Afghan evacuees before resettlement in third countries. Abu Dhabi opened an air bridge to transport humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan and offered and pledged humanitarian support both directly and through the UN. These efforts were recognized and appreciated by the US and other western countries.

2. International Terrorism

The Emirati government is concerned about the security threats following the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan. It is particularly worried about the growth and consolidation of other violent extremist groups; the Taliban victory is celebrated by the regional militant jihadi groups. The UAE fears becoming the target of religious extremism, particularly the ISKP and al Qaeda.

3. Regional Politics

The UAE rivals, Qatar, Turkey, and Iran, were making inroads with the Taliban-led government in its first year of rule. The collapse of the Afghan republic that was closer to the UAE, could have threatened the unraveling of the regional balance of power. Qatar, in particular, stepped up at a moment of crisis for the Americans. Recognizing Western need, the Emiratis also offered to house Afghan evacuees to help the U.S. and NATO partners. They also re-opened their embassy in Kabul in November 2021 and, in summer 2022, won the contract to provide security at the Kabul airport.

Relationships

Allies

KSA

Partners

US
GER
FRA
UK
PRC
PAK
IND

Rivals

Adversaries

AAOs

IRA
TUR
IEA
HQN
QAT

AFGHANISTAN NEGOTIATION PROJECT

Previously based at:

Negotiation Task Force (NTF)

Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies at Harvard University

1730 Cambridge St, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA

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© 2023 Presidents and Fellows of Harvard College

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