UAE Expert Questions the Purpose of US Military Bases

According to a report by Reference News Network on April 23, the British newspaper The Times published an article on April 20 titled "What Have U.S. Military Bases Done for Us in the Iran War?" The author is Samir Atrush. The translation is as follows:

As Gulf countries grow increasingly disappointed with President Trump's handling of the Iran war, the necessity of U.S. military bases in the UAE is being questioned.

Abdullah Abdul-Khalik, a political scientist in the UAE, stated that the UAE successfully shot down most Iranian missiles and drones during the war, indicating its capability for self-defense, and that the U.S. bases stationed in the country not only fail to provide assistance but instead feel more like a burden.

Abdullah does not hold an official position in the UAE government, but he is a respected commentator whose views often reflect discussions among the leadership.

He said, "Clearly, in terms of defending ourselves, they have played a very limited role, if not no role at all. The vast majority of the defense has been carried out by us using American weapons, American missiles, and other defense systems."

Abdullah stated, "When defense is needed, these military bases actually do not play any role; instead, they provide Iran with an excellent excuse to strike the UAE and other countries."

After Iran demanded the U.S. withdraw its troops from the region, the UAE publicly expressed its intention to strengthen relations with the U.S. However, this close ally of the U.S. also expressed dissatisfaction—Trump's hasty decision to drag the region into war, followed by his abrupt withdrawal without consulting Arab countries.

When the ceasefire announcement was made, the UAE expressed skepticism about the ceasefire. Privately, several Gulf countries, including the UAE, had urged Trump not to initiate this war, but also stated that if he insisted on going to war, he should not back down halfway and must continue until Iran could no longer attack its neighbors.

Gulf issues expert Anna Jacobs commented on Abdullah's remarks, saying, "This absolutely reflects the leadership's dissatisfaction. I don't think this dissatisfaction will necessarily lead to specific policy changes; they intend to ensure Washington knows how unhappy they are with the entire situation."

Jacobs said, "Before the war started, they were not really consulted for their opinions, and now, how to end this war has not sought their input either; their views have not been taken into account, while they believe they should be consulted. These Gulf countries, especially the UAE, feel that they have been working hard to develop their 'special relationship' with the U.S."

Abdullah said he is not calling for an immediate withdrawal of U.S. troops. He stated, "This does not mean that these bases must pack up and leave; such matters take time... Everything must be based on mutual consensus and should proceed in an orderly manner." (Translation by Liu Xiaoyan)