Today's Edition
By Imam Mohammad Tawhidi*
In the span of just one week, it called for peace, stood firmly in defence of its neighbours, and even spoke out for the rights of Christians in Syria. This is the United Arab Emirates, a beacon of humanity, a pillar of wisdom, and a steadfast harbour of stability in the Middle East.
In the past two weeks, the region has been teetering on the edge of a much larger conflagration. The world witnessed direct confrontation between Israel and Iran, including the unprecedented strike on Iran's Fordow nuclear facility, reportedly by U.S. forces. The shockwaves from these events were not only felt across the Middle East but also reverberated through global diplomacy and economic markets. And yet, amidst the noise, the escalation, and the provocations, the United Arab Emirates stood steady: calling for calm, restraint, and rational diplomacy.
While many rushed to amplify tensions, the UAE held its ground on principle. It reaffirmed its commitment to peace, regional stability, and dialogue, gaining global attention and respect. The wisdom in this approach is not accidental; it is the fruit of a long-standing leadership doctrine rooted in strategic foresight, human dignity, and the rejection of chaos as a political tool.
Equally noteworthy was the behaviour of the Emirati people and civil society. Across digital platforms, UAE-based commentators, academics, and social media users displayed a rare maturity and understanding of geopolitics. While others succumbed to inflammatory rhetoric and reactionary emotion, UAE citizens and residents discussed strategy, history, and the long-term implications of the crisis with composure and professionalism. This cultural and civic maturity, mirrored by the state's leadership, was widely noted by international observers – and rightly so.
The contrast with other actors in the region could not be starker. While the UAE called for peace, the Muslim Brotherhood and their affiliates seized the moment to push divisive narratives and exploit the chaos for their own gain. In a shameful and dangerous move, the Brotherhood issued an open letter to Ali Khamenei – not to de-escalate the crisis, but to intensify it.
For decades, the Brotherhood has mastered the art of weaponising instability. They have consistently inserted themselves into moments of regional volatility, using crises as opportunities to advance their ideological agenda. Their method is both calculated and cynical: sow discord, amplify sectarianism, and mobilise public sentiment through emotional manipulation and conspiracy.
By doing so, they aim to dismantle the moderate order and replace it with a radical vision that serves their organisational ambitions, not the wellbeing of nations or peoples. In the vacuum of conflict, they thrive by building influence not through constructive governance or diplomatic contribution, but through polarisation and division.
The Brotherhood's response to this latest crisis is a textbook example: instead of appealing for calm, they chose to deepen the rift, to inflame tensions, and to reassert themselves as ideological provocateurs in a region yearning for stability. Such behaviour is not just reckless; it is dangerous. It reveals a consistent pattern of exploiting chaos for personal and political gain, even at the cost of innocent lives and regional peace.
If there is one entity unhappy that the conflict ended in 12 days, it is the Brotherhood, which sought to pour fuel on the fire, hoping to capitalise on bloodshed and polarisation to revive their waning relevance. This is not diplomacy; it is the politics of destruction.
It is in times like these that the wisdom of leadership becomes most evident. The UAE's path, balancing national interests with moral clarity, is not the path of appeasement, but of strength through vision. Where others act on impulse, the UAE calculates. This is not just good policy; it is good statecraft.
Let me be clear: regional peace is not built on slogans or short-term wins. It is built on credibility, on trust, and on a consistent moral compass. The UAE has shown all three. Whether by advocating for the rights of Christian minorities in Syria, pouring humanitarian aid into Sudan, or defending neighbouring Gulf nations against threats, the Emirates has become the voice of reason in a region too often defined by extremes.
As the Middle East faces yet another crossroads, the world would do well to take note of the UAE model – firm in principle, moderate in tone, and forward-thinking in strategy. And most importantly: zero tolerance for extremism or terrorism. This is not merely a position. It is a responsibility. And the UAE, once again, has proven it is ready to shoulder it.
*The writer is a parliamentary advisor and research partner with TRENDS Research & Advisory
