The Letters
Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission sends letters to 4 companies over UAE Ties
Accountability. This is a word often used by media pundits and politicians like a cook uses spices. It is often added when addressing any crisis where it seems that certain protagonists are not being held accountable for their deeds.
One conflict zone where this word is often used is Sudan. What started as a conflict between two generals Gen. Burhan who is currently ruling the country and Hemeti who heads one of the major militias and is in de facto control of Darfur has evolved into a proxy conflict where various countries are seeking access to the natural resources of the country.
This is where that pesky little word accountability comes into play. Some may follow events in the country and use another word that is thrown about with reckless abandon. That word is hypocrisy. So why would it be used regarding this conflict?
The answer is that there is an attempt to have a Gulf Country that supports one faction be held accountable for supporting one general while another Gulf State supports the other party.
Hemeti’s faction the RSF (Rapid Support Forces) are being supported by the UAE which has provided Artillery and Mercenaries in the conflict while the main patrons supporting Gen Burhan and the ruling junta are mainly Egypt and Saudi Arabia. However, the activist class has been focusing on the UAE support for the RSF for their activities.
Their cries have been heard here in Washington. For more than a year the Democrats in both Houses of Congress have introduced legislation that would impose an Arms Embargo on the UAE for supporting the RSF in Sudan.
The recent war with Iran has thrown a monkey-wrench into those desires. Both the UAE and the Saudis were targeted by the Iranians during the conflict. As a r he recent war with Iran has thrown a monkey-wrench into those desires. Both the UAE and the Saudis were targeted by the Iranians during the conflict. As a result, both countries have placed new Arms orders with the US. So, for now, that chance is temporarily closed.
It appears that another window has opened in the accountability window. Recently, the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission has acted. This is a body which is part of the official Congressional landscape. It has the power to hold official hearings and often acts in a bipartisan fashion.
Recently, the co-chairs of the Commission Rep Chris Smith (R-NJ) the current chair and the ranking member Rep James McGovern (D-MA) sent letters to four prominent U.S. Corporations in the entertainment and sports fields and asked them to reassess their relationships with firms from the Emirates. No such letters were sent any companies who have ties with Saudi interests.
The letters were addressed to Adam Silver the head of the National Basketball Association, Roger Godell the Commissioner of the National Football League, Josh D’Amico the Chief Executive Officer of the Walt Disney Corporation and David Zaslov the President and CEO of Warner Brother Discovery.
These letters are asking these companies to end joint projects, sponsorships with business entities such as Emirates Air and even closing a theme park in Abu Dhabi.
The letters were sent to these business leaders a week ago, and there has been no response from these companies regarding the request from the Lantos Human Rights Commission.