UAE, Hizbullah Open New Chapter With Detainee Release Talks

In a move that could herald a new chapter in Middle Eastern diplomacy, a senior Hizbullah official, Wafiq Safa, has reportedly visited the United Arab Emirates to negotiate the release of over a dozen Lebanese detainees. Sources close to Hizbullah describe Safa’s trip as a groundbreaking development in the historically tense relations between the Iran-backed Hizbullah and the UAE, a key US ally.

Safa, who heads Hizbullah’s Liaison and Coordination Unit and is sanctioned by the US, was said to have been invited by the UAE for discussions. This visit follows signals from the UAE of its intent to release several Lebanese individuals imprisoned on charges related to supporting Hizbullah, which the US and Gulf Arab allies consider a terrorist organization.

The gesture of releasing the detainees, some of whom are serving life sentences on what have been labeled as politically motivated charges, is seen as part of a broader effort to ease regional tensions. The timing of this initiative is noteworthy, coming after the UAE’s recent diplomatic overtures, including normalizing ties with Israel and re-engaging with Tehran.

This diplomatic thaw might also reflect a wider trend of reconciliation in the region, as indicated by Saudi Arabia’s restoration of relations with Iran last year. The ongoing conflict and shifting alliances highlight the complex web of relationships in the Middle East, where the UAE has played a significant role in recent years, including efforts to reconcile with Syrian President Bashar Assad.