Biden: I didn't mean to imply UAE aided al-Qaeda
Vice President Joe Biden says he never meant to imply that the United Arab Emirates was supporting al-Qaeda fighters in Syria.
Biden spoke Sunday with Prince Mohamed bin Zayed, crown prince of Abu Dhabi and a key Emirati leader. Biden had said US allies including Turkey, Saudi Arabia and the UAE had funded and armed extremist groups linked to al-Qaeda. The UAE was exasperated and requested a formal clarification.
The White House says Biden clarified his remarks and recognized the UAE's strong steps to counter extremists and participation in US-led airstrikes. On Saturday, Biden apologized to Turkey over similar remarks.
