Top American economist Jeffrey Sachs has issued a stark warning to the United Arab Emirates, warning against deeper involvement in the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Sachs highlighted the vulnerability of key cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi in an interview with ANI, noting that they are designed to be global tourism and financial hubs rather than military strongholds.
“Basically, Dubai and Abu Dhabi could be blown up if the UAE goes to war. They are recreational areas … not fortified missile defense areas,” Sachs said.
He added that entering a war zone would undermine the very purpose of such cities.
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“Absurd mess” and strategic miscalculation
Sachs criticized the UAE’s geopolitical position, claiming that the country had “fallen into an absurd mess” by aligning itself closely with the United States and Israel.
“Emirates have fallen into absurd chaos with their eyes wide open … and it’s still doubling down,” he said.
Reliance on external security guarantees led to overconfidence in decision-making, according to Sachs.
Abraham Accords called “an invitation to disaster”
The economist also questioned the long-term implications of the Abraham Accords, under which several Arab states normalized relations with Israel.
“Entering the so-called Abraham Accords… was an invitation to disaster for the Emirates,” warned Sachs.
He argued that the Gulf countries were overly reliant on US military protection, which he described as a “fundamental miscalculation”.
Kissinger’s warning about ‘fatal friendship’.
Citing former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, Sachs reiterated a stark geopolitical warning: “To be an enemy of the United States is dangerous, but to be a friend is fatal.”
He suggested that over-reliance on Washington could expose allies to greater strategic risks in times of conflict.
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Call for a strategic rethink
Sachs urged the UAE to reconsider its current course and prioritize national security over geopolitical alignment.
“Protect yourself. Understand the situation… is doubling down really the right way to proceed?” he said.
He criticized recent signals from the UAE that indicated continued commitments to the US-led effort, calling them naïve in the current volatile environment.
Iran issues regional warning
Sachs’ remarks come at a time of heightened tensions with Iran. On March 20, Iran’s Foreign Ministry warned regional countries against allowing the United States to use their territory for military operations.
In a statement, Tehran said: “There is an urgent need… to prevent the further use of their territory and facilities by America… to carry out military aggression against Iran.
Iran also warned that countries hosting US bases could face consequences if the facilities were used in attacks.
Meanwhile, Gulf states have condemned Iran’s attacks on energy infrastructure, signaling stronger ties with the United States.
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