Abu Dhabi and Dubai

Barbara Surk has written for the AP an article about some machninations between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, the two largest constituents of the United Arab Emirates. Her interpretation, however, seems oddly Iran-focused. As she states, Iran and Dubai have important economic ties. The reasons for this can be easily discerned by looking at a map.

Abu Dhabi, however, isn't worried about morality in Dubai because of American pressure because of American pressure over those ties. Abu Dhabi represents the central government of the UAE, whereas Dubai's rulers are intent on retaining as much internal control as they can. That dynamic is the most important to both parties. The U.S. doesn't have any real leverage over the UAE, anyway.