Iran's leader tries to get Arabs to split with U.S.

[maddezmom]

Source: AP

By Jim Krane The Associated Press
Posted May 15 2007


ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates · Iran's hard-line president stepped up efforts Monday to pry Gulf countries from their strong U.S. alliance, urging them to push out the American military from bases in the region.

President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's first visit to the United Arab Emirates came just days after Vice President Dick Cheney called on Gulf nations to blunt Iran's efforts at regional dominance.

It also came as the United States and Iran agreed to talk in Baghdad about Iraq's deteriorating security. Although seen as a political turnabout, potential for real progress is low as tensions -- and sharp words -- continue to escalate.

In stark contrast to Cheney's low-key visit, Ahmadinejad was greeted at the airport Sunday with a red carpet and the top leaders of the Emirates. But no Emirati leaders joined Ahmadinejad at his public events, and there appeared to be an effort to give the Iranian leader a warm welcome but keep a distance from his statements.




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