Harris condolence trip doubles as outreach to oil-rich United Arab Emirates

…In a sign of Abu Dhabi’s influence, dozens of dignitaries and world leaders descended on the federation to honor the late Sheikh Khalifa and shore up ties with its new leader. Moving through the narrow strip of Abu Dhabi tarmac, the arrivals paying tribute included bitter adversaries such as Israel and Iran, Russia and the U.S., and Pakistan and India. First among Western leaders to make the trip were French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson. The visit by the U.S. delegation sent a positive message, said Jason Brodsky, the policy director at United Against Nuclear Iran. “[It’s] a signal to the Emirati leadership that Washington values their partnership,” he added.