Sone 200 (202) 863.7800 Fox ‘Washington OC wcohar@cobengioun net 20008 rare cohengroup nat GROUP July 5, 2016 Ahmed al-Menhali c/o HE. Yousef Al Otaiba Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to the United States Embassy of the United Arab Emirates 3522 International Court NW, Suite 400 Washington, D.C. 20008 Dear Mr. Ahmed al-Menhali, First, please allow me to personally apologize for the deeply regrettable and entirely unacceptable treatment you endured in Ohio.a few daysago. It is my understanding from my elose friend Ambassador A! Otaiba that you have been coming to the US seeking medical treatment and conducting business for quite some time, and should never have been treated in such a disrespectful manner. Asa former Senator and Secretary of Defense in this country, | know that the United States is built on the core principles of diversity and inclusion; discrimination and hostility rans counter to our most basic values... hope in your other visits to the US that you have seen that the mind and heart of most Americans is fundamentally sound. However, as you have unfortunately come to experience firsthand, this is a troubling time in American polities, and the inflamed rhetoric of what President Lincoln once called the "stormy present” has resulted in some very unfortunate lapses in judgment. | do want to assure you that most people who are even minimally informed understand what a vital and loyal ally the UAE is for the United States and how important the relationship is. Clearly, there is still much to be done to help break down harmful stereotypes and better understand Islam and Muslims in the US. | was pleased to see that officials in Avon also issued a formal apology to you in person, I sincerely hope that you can regain your faith in the true values that make up this Country's core and continue to seek the treatment and care that you are accustomed to here. [ wish you a speedy recovery and good health, ‘On the oceasion of Eid Al-Fitr, please also allow me to extend my warmest wishes to you and your family. As this holy period of devotion, introspection, and charity comes to an end, | reflect upon the shared values that unite us all and reinforce our mutual obligation to advance peace and justice around the world, 1 hope you will accept the enclosed signed copy of my most recent book as a small token of friendship on behalf of my countrymen. Sin illiam S. Cohen