The story: Abu Dhabi’s ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (MbZ) has ascended to the presidency of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The shift follows the May 13 death of MbZ’s half-brother, ex-president Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Senior delegations from the US and regional countries such as Turkey have visited the UAE to offer condolences, indicating a desire among some actors to seize on the leadership change to improve bilateral ties.

The coverage: The Emirates News Agency (WAM) announced the death of the UAE’s former president on May 13. The following day, MbZ was unanimously selected by the Emirati Federal Supreme Council to become the UAE’s president...