RUSI Book Launch in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

 Launch of RUSI book 'The Three Islands: Mapping the UAE-Iran Dispute' by Dr Khalid S Z Al-Nahyan

On Friday 29 November 2013, RUSI launched its latest book, The Three Islands: Mapping the UAE-Iran Dispute by Sheikh Khalid bin Sultan Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates.

The launch was held on the 42nd anniversary of the occupation by Iran of Abu Musa and the Greater and Lesser Tunbs. The islands were taken over from the UAE when the British left on the eve of the formation of the Emirates on 30 November 1971.

In addition to a presentation by the book's author, the audience also heard from Professor Michael Clarke, Director General of the Royal United Services Institute, and Sir Harold Walker KCMG, former British Ambassador to the UAE.

In a speech to an invited audience, Sheikh Khalid  explained his intention to present both sides of the argument in his book. In the short term, he suggested there was little chance of the dispute being solved, since this would require a change in the Iranian attitude. More engagement from the United States and from other members of the international community in support of the UAE’s legitimate case would also be required.

The book launch took place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre and was also attended by Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE President's Representative, and a British delegation including Sir William Patey KCMG, former British Ambassador to Saudi Arabia and David Abrahams, Vice President of RUSI.

To purchase the book, visit: www.rusi.org/threeislands