Report: UAE Accused of Meddling in US Politics

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 alleged meddling has reportedly spanned multiple presidential administrations and decades. Three anonymous sources who read the report reportedly informed the Washington Post.
• The UAE also allegedly hired three former US intelligence and military officials to surveil “dissidents, politicians, journalists, and US companies” by breaking into computers in the US and other nations.
• The National Intelligence Council allegedly compiled the report and recently briefed it to top US lawmakers in recent weeks to help them guide their decision-making regarding the Middle East — including the UAE.

Sources: Middle East Eye, Jerusalem Post, New York Post, and Washington Post.

Narratives

• Pro-establishment narrative, as provided by The Washington Post. 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, as provided by Jerusalem Post. 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.