Thread by @fadiquran

I’ve connected with dozens of folks from the UAE after #MBZ’s announcement with #Israel. The majority are pained and do not support the step #MBZ has taken. They are suffocated & fear speaking out against it because #MBZ is a dictator & can act with brutality. Thread

State owned media in the #UAE is doing its best propaganda in decades trying to convince people #MBZ made this decision to benefit #Palestine - but it’s becoming clear to most #Emiratis that’s just not the case. They are hearing other views & seeing this action for what it is...

It’s important to remember that #MBZ’s father, Sheikh Zayed, was unequivocal in his support for Palestinian rights and his antagonism to Israel’s crimes. Most #Emiratis have seen videos of him speaking very passionately on this issue, like this one below, which is being shared..

For many #Emiratis, Sheikh Zayid is a founding father figure who is deeply loved and cherished for being the visionary behind the #UAE today. To some, it feels like #MBZ’s actions are a betrayal to his father’s legacy and values....

Of course, given the fear of #MBZ those against this step in the UAE will remain silent - whereas those who want to suck up to #MBZ will be elevated in the media - giving a false perception that Emiratis are all open to this step... an unfair characterization of Emirati society.

Of course, there is also a subset of Emiratis who have accepted the official government stance that “this decision protects Palestinian land” and is an “ingenious step”. However, a couple of minutes of convo with them easily convinces them otherwise..

For this subset, it’s hard to square the dissonance of a government claiming to want what’s best for #Palestinians, but effectively betraying a cause that has been central to their identity. It causes deep discomfort...

But the goal of this thread is to push media to be more nuanced in their characterization of #MBZ and the #UAE- broadly speaking. I see outlets quoting Emirati influencers pro this deal as if they represent the Emirati ppl & that does harm to the voices of a silenced population.

For more context, here’s a piece by @MarwanMuasher worth reading on why this agreement has nothing to do with “Peace”:

https://twitter.com/elgindy_/status/1294968119828590593?s=21

https://twitter.com/elgindy_/status/1294968119828590593

And let’s also keep in mind that this deal has averted people’s attention from the continuing crimes happening on the ground in #Palestine —

https://twitter.com/tareqbaconi/status/1294979493598289928?s=21

https://twitter.com/tareqbaconi/status/1294979493598289928