Sheikh's visit to Germany: What do human rights matter?

W hen the kings, crown princes and emirs of the Arab Gulf states come to Germany for a state visit, they are not welcomed, but courted. That's no wonder, because the dependencies are clearly regulated: the German economy depends on the financially strong fossil giants in the Gulf. This is particularly true for the Arab Emirates. A trade volume of 13 billion euros, of which 11 billion euros flow into the coffers of German industry - a trade surplus that corresponds to a German economy's wet dream come true.

And so the state visit of the Emir of Abu Dhabi and President of the Emirates, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan, is all about business. Investment agreements worth billions in the areas of AI and energy are being signed. Who wants to oppose this alliance of industrial and technological strength with Gulf capital and a hub towards Asia? That would be completely otherworldly.

The fact that the Emirates often play a dubious role in foreign policy should not be an issue during the state visit. In fixed dependency there is little room for maneuver. But it should be noted that the Emirates are expanding their zones of influence in many places in the region and are keeping many wars and conflicts going. For example in Sudan, where the Emirates, with their massive arms deliveries to the Rapid Support Forces, one of the two main warring parties, ensure that the Sudan war continues in all its brutality and that the supply of weapons never dries up.

The taz is an independent, left-wing and opinionated daily newspaper. We have been arguing in our comments, essays and debate texts since the taz was founded in 1979. We often cannot and do not want to agree on an opinion. That's why you'll find some completely opposing positions here - all part of the very broad left-wing spectrum of opinions.

According to numerous reports, the Emirates are even said to have hired and financed Colombian mercenaries for this war. There are several other conflicts in the region in which the Emirates have been or continue to be involved, from Yemen to Libya. Well, money makes the world go round. Comments in newspapers don't change that.