The 1973 war between the Arabs and Israel smashed the myth of the unbeatable Israeli army, when Arab armies won the war.
Almost 37 years later, another Israeli myth was shattered in a peaceful Arab country that is far from Israel and lives harmoniously with its neighbours.
In the UAE, which respects and protects all people living on its soil, the legendary status of the Israeli intelligence service Mossad was undermined.
This terrorist entity has killed dozens of opponents and innocent people in cold blood. One such innocent man was a Moroccan waiter who was murdered in the Norwegian town of Lillehammer in 1973. The man was a victim of mistaken identity, because Israel thought he was one of its Palestinian opponents, Ali Hassan Salamah, yet it never bothered even paying compensation to his pregnant wife who was with him when the murder took place.
On UAE soil, a horrendous crime has taken place. The murder of Hamas commander Mahmoud Al Mabhouh was described by Foreign Minister Shaikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan as a threat to global security.
In this crime, Mossad used its latest tricks, including "fake" passports and disguise. But these cunning methods turned into a joke for the entire world to laugh at, thanks to the alertness and professionalism of the Dubai Police.
The world stood in awe of the excellence and professionalism of Dubai Police who, with great transparency, revealed critical facts.
In fact, the UAE's security agencies, through Dubai Police, have sent some clear messages.
The first message for the entire world was that the rules of the game have changed, thanks to advances in information technology and telecommunications. A criminal can no longer get away with his crimes easily.
The second message was that the world has changed a lot in the past two decades, and power is no longer measured only by the amount of tricks one has, but by experience and knowledge of modern technology as well.
The crime was revealed not only through CCTV footage but also through the intelligence of Dubai Police in cracking codes and coming to the right conclusion.
Bad actors
The assassination footage shown by Dubai Police resembled a Hollywood production in terms of direction and execution. However, the actors were bad, stupid and arrogant.
The third message sent by Dubai Police was intended for UAE residents and guests.
It is a reassurance that everyone living here, or visiting, can feel safe. Anyone who attempts to violate the security of the UAE will not escape, even if it is Mossad.
However, the reaction of the countries that claim to be defenders of human rights was regretful, especially those whose passports were used in this malicious operation, which targeted the UAE's sovereignty and security as much as a Palestinian leader.
Now, let's imagine what would happen if the two parties involved in the operation switched places.
There is no doubt that the leader of the western world, which is keeping very quiet about this operation, and other countries whose passports were used, would call for an urgent UN General Assembly meeting to discuss the issue.
They would also come out with binding decisions against the countries concerned if the criminals were not extradited immediately.
Furthermore, these countries would demand that the people responsible for this crime be referred to the International Criminal Court whose Prosecutor, Luis Mareno-Ocampo, is also keeping quiet and focusing his efforts on Sudan, a poor country struggling to find its way towards development.
But, what can we do in a world of double standards and injustice?
This world will not change except with a change in the current balance of power. This is already starting to happen.
New superpowers are emerging, such as India and China, and will impose their own agendas in the coming years, which means that the world is changing fast.
Yet, Israel remains determined to work the old-fashioned way and rejects change, despite all the Arab concessions, including the proposed two-state solution.
In today's world, there are not many options. Either you change or be broken. It is a very simple equation.
The UAE will remain an oasis of peace and security respecting all those who respect its sovereignty and laws, and will carry on its march towards development, the achievements of which are enjoyed by all.
Dr Mohammad Al Asoomi is a UAE economic expert.
