In another unprecedented turn of events, the Pentagon had successfully signed a defense deal with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to allow US troops in the Middle Eastern country. This agreement is said to replace the previous defense deal made in 1994 after the first gulf war. The Pentagon revealed that the new deal was already signed by both parties last May 8.
What does the new US defense deal with the UAE entails?
According to the White House, the new defense deal will allow the presence of US troop in the country. It will also increase American influence in the Middle East, especially in the Persian gulf.
The United States is actively placing pressure on Iran as it grows weary of the radical policy changes that may happen now that Trump is in office.
The United Arab Emirates is a federation of seven emirates or territories held and ruled over by an emir. Since the first gulf war, US presence in the area is crucial for establishing a command in the Persian gulf. The Pentagon is placing importance in increasing US dominance in the area, especially with the fight against ISIS and the nursing the precarious government of Iraq, which is vulnerable to terrorist takeovers.
How will the new deal in favor for the UAE and for U.S. interests in the Middle East?
After the meeting between Defense secretary James Mattis and Prince Mohammed, the deal focuses on defense cooperation of the two countries against terrorism, finding a resolution to the conflicts in Yemen and Syria and checking Iran's growing influence in the area.
It is important to remember that the UAE is predominantly Sunni Muslims, which is belligerent to Iran, a Shia nation. This divergence of basic Islamic principles has fueled the religious tension in the Middle East for more than a thousand years. The UAE is welcome to embrace U.S. assistance to just halt the Shia influence of Iran.
The United States can capital on this religious feud, as finding regional allies against threats like Iran is not that hard to accomplish.
President Trump will be visiting Saudi Arabia later this week in hopes to jump start a union of priorities between the three major religions in the area. Trump will meet with the crown prince of Saudi and bring a $100 billion arms deal with Riyadh.
After the Saudi visit, Trump will head to Israel and meet with its Prime minister and offer a prayer at the Western wall. Immediately after the visit in Israel, Trump will head for the Vatican to meet with Pope Francis, who is openly opposed to many of Trump's radical policy against immigration.
