It’s difficult to understand why the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has invited Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, to COP28, the global UN climate conference happening in Dubai in November.
What does a mass murderer bring to such a discussion exactly?
Of course, there’s a whole bunch of other questions around COP28. Like, why is one of the world’s top oil and gas producers hosting a meeting that should be about reducing carbon emissions? And, why is Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber – the CEO of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, the government’s foremost fossil fuel company – president of COP28?
But let’s focus on Assad’s invitation for now.
Assad is one of the last people anyone sane and sensible would invite to a conference that is fundamentally about saving human lives and livelihoods around the world. (And yes, that’s what addressing the climate crisis is about.)
His regime is notorious for rampant atrocities in Syria. They forcibly disappeared tens of thousands of people and committed other serious human rights violations against Syrians even before the uprisings began in 2011. Over 12 years of war, the regime has committed countless crimes against humanity and forced millions out of their homes.
Not that the UAE cares much about any of that. Along with some other Arab states, they’ve been normalizing relations with Mr. Mass Atrocities for a while now without a thought about accountability for his regime’s barbarous acts.
But a major international gathering is a significant further step in the rehabilitation of a global pariah. If Assad attends COP28, it would be his first appearance at a global conference since before the war began.
And while a mass murderer is set to be welcomed at COP, it is unclear if Emirati human rights defenders will even be allowed a look in. The UAE authorities have been driving a sustained assault on freedom of expression and association, and arresting and imprisoning scores of government critics and activists.
In a chilling suggestion of what’s to come in November, conference organizers at a recent climate and health summit in the UAE told speakers not to “criticize Islam, the government, corporations or individuals” or protest.
Assad will likely feel at home.