The Korea Times
The Middle East conflict has shaken the balance of power in the region. The Gulf Cooperation Council countries were deeply shocked when Iran launched retaliatory attacks against them following the joint U.S.-Israeli strikes against Iran that began on Feb. 28. Although divided along Sunni-Shia lines, the Gulf states had long tried to preserve cautious ties with Iran in the spirit of Islamic brotherhood. The attacks shattered that fragile balance. Among the Gulf states, the United Arab Emirates suffered the heaviest damage. More than 2,700 Iranian missiles and drones struck Emirati territory. Ironically, the UAE suffered bigger destruction than Israel itself, one of the direct warring parties. Around 240 casualties were reported. The Burj Al Arab Tower, the famous 7-star hotel, caught fire, while the Dubai International Financial Centre, refineries, petrochemical facilities and gas infrastructure were heavily damaged. Jebel Ali Port, the world’s largest man-made harbor, and Amazon Web Services facilities were also hit. Most symbolic was the collapse of Dubai’s image as the “safe par
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