US moves to shore up unhappy allies on North Africa visit
Al JazeeraNov 26, 2021
The Facts
According to a Washington Post report, US intelligence officials claim that their close political ally, the United Arab Emirates, attempted to manipulate the American political system for its own benefit.
According to the classified report, the UAE allegedly used both illegal and legal measures to exploit vulnerabilities in the US political system. This includes the use of campaign contributions, lobbying firms, and loose enforcement of disclosure laws to bolster policies more favorable to the UAE.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
This report is a clear warning about how American democracy is being undermined by foreign money — including from "allies" like the UAE. A clear line needs to be set in the future against foreign powers playing in American politics. The US is not for sale.
Establishment-critical narrative
Greed has come home to roost. US national security staff were aware of some of the UAE's interference, and former US officials shamefully betrayed their country — acting as geopolitical mercenaries. The federal government hasn't reformed foreign influence laws or provided adequate resources to the justice department. Washington owns decades of the blame for this unacceptable fiasco.
Narrative C
Any influence the UAE may have in the US is simply the well-deserved result of decades of cooperation and diplomacy, and reflects the nations' shared interests and values. The partnership is built on good will and has made the US, the UAE and the entire region safer and more prosperous.
