Nickolay Mladenov: The Balkan diplomat who could be UAE's man in Gaza

Former Bulgarian diplomat Nickolay Mladenov is being considered for a top official role in post-war Gaza, working on behalf of a US-led "Board of Peace." His name is circulating as an alternative to Tony Blair, whose potential appointment drew widespread condemnation. The selection of Mladenov, who currently runs a diplomatic academy in the UAE, would signal the significant influence the US and Israel are leaning on the UAE to shape Gaza's future. While some Palestinian officials see him as a better alternative, others note he is very influenced by the UAE and, by extension, Israel.