Tasnim � An American political analyst described a recent normalization agreement between Tel Aviv and Abu Dhabi as a �betrayal�, saying that the deal �most likely won�t stand the test of time� as predicted by Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei.





�The (Saudi) kingdom is allied with the Trump and Netanyahu regimes against Iran, Syria, Hezbollah, Hamas, and fundamental Palestinian rights. The same applies to the UAE. Indeed, it�s a betrayal by both (Persian) Gulf states and most likely won�t stand the test of time. Their ruling regimes are too despotic to continue their wars on humanity unchallenged. I agree with Ayatollah Khamenei,� Chicago-based Stephen Lendman said in an interview with�the Tasnim News Agency.

Stephen Lendman is a writer, syndicated columnist, activist, News TV personality, and radio show host. He currently writes for MoneyNewsNow.com and VeteransToday.com and hosts, since 2007, a progressive radio show at The Progressive Radio News Hour on The Progressive Radio Network.

The following is the full text of the interview:

Tasnim: In a speech on Tuesday, Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei said, �The UAE (by agreeing to normalize ties with Israel) betrayed the world of Islam, Arab nations, the region�s countries, and Palestine. Of course, this betrayal won�t last long�. What do you think?

Lendman: For years, Israel sought normalized relations with Arab nations, got them with Egypt, Jordan, and now the UAE. Israel and Saudi Arabia are strange bedfellows. They�re an odd couple of convenience. Earlier back-channel relations went public. Former Saudi envoy to Washington prince Bandar bin Sultan secretly visited Israel in 2013. Both countries have no formal relations. Extensive behind-the-scenes diplomatic, economic, intelligence, and military ties were established to pursue mutual interests.

The kingdom is allied with the Trump and Netanyahu regimes against Iran, Syria, Hezbollah, Hamas, and fundamental Palestinian rights. The same applies to the UAE. Indeed, it�s a betrayal by both (Persian) Gulf states and most likely won�t stand the test of time. Their ruling regimes are too despotic to continue their wars on humanity unchallenged. I agree with Ayatollah Khamenei.

Tasnim: He added, �The UAE rulers opened the door of the region to the Zionists, and they have ignored and normalized the question of Palestine, which is a question about the usurpation of a country. This stigma will remain on them�. What is the main reason behind this deal? Why do you think the UAE opened the door of the region to the Zionists?

Lendman: The alliance by Israel with Egypt, Jordan, the UAE and to some extent with the Saudis is both strategic and economic. Israel seeks regional security despite only having invented enemies, not real ones. It wants new export markets to grow its economy. It long ago abandoned Palestinians and seeks regional support for stealing all valued parts of historic Palestine without challenge.

Tasnim: Senior US and Israeli officials landed in the United Arab Emirates on Monday on a trip to finalize the normalization pact, and they told Palestinians it was now time for them to negotiate peace. White House senior adviser Jared Kushner also said on arrival that Washington could help maintain Israel�s military edge while advancing its ties to the UAE, the Arab world�s second-largest economy, and a regional power. Kushner said Palestinians should not be �stuck in the past�. �They have to come to the table. Peace will be ready for them, an opportunity will be ready for them as soon as they are ready to embrace it,� he said. What are your thoughts on this?

Lendman: Along with the US war OF terror, not on it, the so-called Israeli/Palestinian peace process is the greatest hoax in modern times. Peace is rejected by US and Israeli ruling regimes; the way it�s been for the past half century while pretending otherwise. If the US and Israel wanted peace with Palestinians, it would have been established long ago. Nor will it be ahead, especially with the Saudis and UAE siding with Israel for their own self-interest. Like always before since the infamous 1917 Balfour Declaration, Palestinians are on their own. I believe one day they�ll achieve what they�ve long sought because I don�t believe Israel will achieve its aims. History�s dustbin awaits imperial America, apartheid Israel to join it there one day. At my advanced age, I regret that I won�t likely live long enough to witness Israel�s demise, the same for the US, and Palestinian self-determination the way it should be.