Lukashenko's canine companion stirs UAE diplomatic controversy
Alexander Lukashenko's visit to the UAE with his dog, Umka, has been criticized by experts as a diplomatic misstep. However, even seasoned politicians can make such errors.
During his visit to the United Arab Emirates on December 17, Alexander Lukashenko brought along his white Spitz named Umka, which drew a wave of criticism. Experts deemed it a diplomatic blunder because, in Islam, a dog is often considered an unclean animal. This wasn't the first time Lukashenko traveled with Umka; the dog also accompanied him during meetings with Vladimir Putin and Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Many European leaders have committed diplomatic faux pas during official visits, often due to a lack of knowledge or familiarity with Islamic customs or other cultures. For example, embracing the wives of Asian heads of state can be problematic, as many politicians and diplomats forget that in some Eastern countries, it is unacceptable for a stranger to touch a woman.
Diplomatic blunders are not uncommon among world leaders. A notable instance occurred in 2006 when U.S. President George W. Bush unexpectedly massaged German Chancellor Angela Merkel's shoulders during the G8 summit in St. Petersburg, later describing his gesture as friendliness. Another example is the 1992 incident when U.S. President George Bush Sr. vomited on Japanese Prime Minister Kiichi Miyazawa during an official dinner. Both actions and words can lead to diplomatic missteps.
In 2013, Uruguayan President Jose Mujica, unaware of a live microphone, insulted Argentine President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, calling her an "old witch." He attempted to mitigate the blunder by mentioning how Kirchner had gifted Pope Francis a yerba mate brewing set, seemingly forgetting the Pope was Argentinian.
Blunders not only at higher but also lower levels
Mistakes are not limited to heads of state. The incident from Barack Obama's presidency was recounted. During behind-the-scenes talks, a diplomat from the Visegrad Group made a controversial comment about the Civil War, which landed him in hot water.
In private conversations regarding the president's birthplace, he reportedly shared the view that the Civil War's outcome was unfavorable, a statement that resulted in his isolation within the diplomatic corps of the country where he was stationed, according to the diplomat.
