The eviction of Italian military personnel and aircraft from Forward Logistic Air Base Al-Minhad in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is the result of a latent diplomatic crisis between the two countries that has been simmering for months. The air base has hosted Italian soldiers since 2015—along with British, Australian, and US forces—and represents a crucial hub not only for the ongoing withdrawal of foreign forces from Afghanistan, but also for operations in the Horn of Africa and Iraq.

When the news of the UAE having issued a July 2 withdrawal deadline...