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Podcast: The Turbulent World of Middle East Soccer
Episode: UAE Recognition of Israel Dents Emirati Religious Soft Power
Description: The United Arab Emirates’ establishment of diplomatic relations with Israel is damaging its efforts to garner religious soft power by projecting itself as a model of Islamic moderation and tolerance and a force for peace. The UAE move has sparked splits within a key group, created and nurtured by the Gulf state, to project its image as a moderate religious power.