War against Daesh is to save Islam: UAE envoy

2/2/2016 3:19:34 AM

(MENAFN- Khaleej Times)

The UAE takes responsibility to stand with its allies in the fight against terrorism said Yousef Al Otaiba UAE Ambassador to the United States during a speech at the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies.

The ambassador described how the UAE is the promise of a new Middle East a safe haven of stability opportunity and tolerance.

"The character of our people and of our leadership is deeply rooted in unity at home compassion for others and openness in minds markets and faith. We are one million Emiratis and 8 million foreign nationals representing virtually every country on earth living and working together peacefully in the region's strongest economy."

Al Otaiba highlighted how like-minded countries such as the UAE and the US must meet the immediate challenge of extremism and aggression in the region. "Daesh is today's most pressing danger and it must be destroyed but there is also the continuing concern of Iran."

He emphasised that the war against Daesh is not a war against Islam but a battle to save Islam from a death cult that is hijacking an entire religion to sell an ideology of hate and murder.

The UAE he said is taking the lead to offer a new vision for young Muslims and the region unafraid of modernity and looking to the future. Ours is an Islam that empowers women embraces others encourages innovation and welcomes global engagement.

"We are building an economic engine for the entire region a place where the free flow of goods services people investment and ideas lifts the entire Middle East and links it to Africa Asia Europe and the Americas. We will have a sustainable post-hydrocarbon economy - driven by innovation human capital rule of law and open trade."

"We hope that a similar vision for the future is shared by our Iranian neighbours. Unlike Daesh Iran has a choice" said the ambassador.

Al Otaiba said that Iran's continued interference across the region can be seen from Lebanon Iraq and Syria to Bahrain Saudi Arabia and Yemen.

He said a responsible Iran and the defeat of Daesh are the two most critical steps toward an alternative path for the Middle East.

"When I look ahead in the region I see more Rhodes scholars and fewer terrorist recruits more Mars missions and fewer ballistic missiles more women leaders more online start-ups. I see an Islam of peace and inclusion not of extremes."

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