Josh Block’s views on the US, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE

Recently, Josh Block, the former US State Department spokesman, gave an interview with Maria Maalouf, The Capitol columnist. He spoke about Iran, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and the US.

Block praised the UAE and Saudi Arabia in his interview. He said, “People do not know that when they visit the Emirates, there is a great deal of tolerance.” He also praised the UAE economy and the justice system.

He praised the UAE because the country detained Asim Ghafoor, a U.S. citizen, and civil rights attorney, on charges related to an in absentia conviction for money laundering. Block told Maalouf, “When the UAE imprison someone like that attorney who has been engaged in money laundering, supporting terrorism, acting in a way as a propagandist for ISIS and other Islamists, it shows the reasonable ruling of the UAE. There’s a reason that people like that are in prison.

He further said, “I think people who participate in money laundering and support terrorism should be imprisoned. In a country like the UAE, the justice system may differ, but there is no doubt that there is a reasonable ruling.” He also said that “the UAE ensures the stability of their people, their government and our allies.”

He believes that the UAE’s open economy gives various opportunities to people. He also thinks that women occupy very prestigious positions in the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

He said, “The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are becoming forces of modernity and stability in the Middle East. We need to stand with countries that work for stability and modernity.” He praised Saudi Arabia for its modern behavior in tackling important issues.

In recent months, the UAE has increased its efforts to prevent money laundering in the region. Last year, the UAE’s Ministry of Economy established an anti-money laundering department to deal with money launderers.