Page 429 - UAE Truncal States

Conclusion

Is the Federation going to last? This question is often asked, and the
answer is based on the record of the past as interpreted by the
observer and on the evidence of today. Detractors point to the
inevitable shortcomings, inefficiencies, and, in many fields, lack of co­
ordination. But the more appropriate question to ask is: Why has it
already held together for a decade? In seeking to answer this, one
discovers that the process of making the Federation is still going on,
and that it has not yet attained its final shape. Therefore, rather than
analysing whether fragmentation or consolidation prevails in the
administration of the State, it is more to the point to attempt to
analyse which routes have been taken at various crossroads and
what has emerged as the general direction.
For three years, between Summer 1968 and July 1971, progress
towards agreement on the final form of the proposed federation was
painfully slow. Many people in the seven shaikhdoms doubted that a
federal state was eithera worthwhile aim ora practicable proposition,
and they hesitated to commit themselves wholeheartedly to the
process of shaping its future. Fortunately there were a few leaders
with the vision, optimism and persistance that was needed to convince
the doubters. The few ardent champions—one of the most prominent
was H.E. Ahmad KhalTfah Suwaidi—believed that, rather than let
the Trucial States be forced by circumstances into a hastily arranged
union, the situation should be greeted as a unique opportunity to
create for themselves a new political entity.
The future of the federation depends to a large extent on whether
like-minded people of similar calibre emerge who are equally
determined thatthefederalstateshouldcontinuetofunction,and who
can inspire the increasing number of young technocrats to share their

402