“The rapprochement is of course not without risks. Salafists, now major players in Egyptian politics, are vehemently opposed to any Iranian influence or spread of Shia Islam, which many consider “enemy No 1”. The Gulf states and their regional and international allies also oppose such rapprochement and consider it a direct threat to their security. Yet ties, even intelligence ties, are strengthening. Major Genera Qassem Suleimani, a spy chief and commander of Iran’s Quds Force, reportedly visited Cairo last month for talks with senior officials close to President Mohammed Morsi. Almost at the same time, Egypt’s ambassador to Lebanon, Ashraf Hamdy, told Lebanese newspaper The Daily Star that Egypt would pursue a relationship with Hizbollah as a “real political and military force”. The onus is on regional countries to initiate measures to prevent the most populous Arab country from drifting towards the Iranian orbit, as happened with Iraq. Any alliance between the Iranian regime and the Brotherhood is likely to be more enduring and sustainable than Iran’s alliance with Baathist Syria……………….” The National (UAE)

All dissidents in the United Arab Emirates, fully owned and operated by the Al-Nahayan brothers of Abu Dhabi, are now affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood. They are not considered affiliates of Hezbollah UAE which itself is affiliated with Hezbollah Gulf. Not anymore. The rulers, actually the owners, of the UAE have decreed (issued a royal farman) that attention is now shifting away from Lebanese Shi’a residents (if there are any left over there) and toward Egyptians who are now ruled by the Muslim Brotherhood. You might ask me about others: what about Al Qaeda and the Iranians? The latter are now tied to the MB through this unconfirmed tale of Brig. Qassem Suleimani doing the pilgrimage to a hotel in Cairo. Both are now an existential threat to both Netanyahu and the Al Nahayan (and the Al Khalifa too)? Confused by this fast GCC spin of events? We call it the new Gulf whiplash. Things are not what they seem. It is the opposite of WYSIWYG (look it up if you must). Ah, stay tuned, my confusable and confused friend. This is only part one (see the title up there?).
Cheers
mhg