27 Oct 2024
Example of good policy by Trump and his administration - also speaking volumes for Jared Kushner, who is usually painted as useless and just the beneficiary of nepotism.
Peace in the Middle-East is like the "rocket science" of Politics - yet Trump and his son-in-law seem to have made it happen.
The Accords:
In 2020, the Middle East witnessed a diplomatic breakthrough that marked a significant shift in regional alliances and peace efforts—the Abraham Accords. Spearheaded by the Trump administration, this series of normalization agreements aimed to redefine relations between Israel and several Arab nations, opening new doors for cooperation and dialogue in a region long characterized by deep-seated tensions.
Origination of the Abraham Accords
The journey to the Abraham Accords began early in 2020, with diplomatic groundwork already laid over years of covert and informal exchanges between Israel and certain Arab countries. The Trump administration’s push for the accords was led by Senior Advisor Jared Kushner, alongside Avi Berkowitz, Special Representative for International Negotiations. Collaborating with key U.S. officials like Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and National Security Advisor Robert O’Brien, Kushner and Berkowitz accelerated the process in just six months, motivated by shared regional security concerns—particularly those surrounding Iran—and a strong U.S. interest in stabilizing alliances in the Middle East.
Unlike previous efforts, which prioritized resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as a prerequisite for wider peace, the Abraham Accords were built on the notion of establishing direct normalization between Israel and individual Arab nations first. By bypassing traditional approaches, this new strategy created a unique platform for collaboration and de-escalation, even as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict continued unresolved.
Key Elements of the Accords
The initial signing of the Abraham Accords took place on September 15, 2020, at the White House, featuring Israel, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Bahrain. Later, Sudan and Morocco joined the accords, each establishing diplomatic, cultural, and economic ties with Israel.
The agreements are built on several pillars:
- Diplomatic and Political Relations: Establishing formal embassies, regular diplomatic channels, and official representation to facilitate bilateral and multilateral communication.
- Economic and Trade Partnerships: Expanding trade opportunities, fostering business partnerships, and promoting tourism between Israel and its new Arab partners.
- Technology and Cultural Exchanges: Sharing expertise in fields such as healthcare, technology, energy, and education to drive mutual development and enhance cross-cultural understanding.
- Commitment to Regional Peace: While not a comprehensive peace treaty, the accords include commitments to promote tolerance and reduce hostility, expressing support for a two-state solution regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
These pillars reflect a vision of collaboration that seeks to transcend traditional barriers and offer pragmatic avenues for cooperation.
The Role of the U.S. in Driving the Accords
Jared Kushner and Avi Berkowitz were pivotal in drafting the accords and facilitating high-stakes negotiations, often coordinating directly with officials from Israel and the Arab nations involved. The role of the U.S. as an intermediary was crucial; the accords not only required diplomatic finesse but also the leverage of U.S. security and economic incentives. Kushner’s team worked intensively to secure common ground, and President Trump’s administration rallied support from its regional allies to achieve this goal.
Impact and Outcomes
As of 2023, the Abraham Accords have led to historic changes in regional relations:
- Economic and Cultural Interactions: Since the signing, Israeli tourists have traveled to the UAE, and trade between Israel and its new Arab partners has surged. Business partnerships have emerged across sectors, from tech and tourism to agriculture and clean energy.
- Security and Political Realignment: The accords created a new axis in the Middle East that focuses on shared security interests, especially countering Iran’s influence in the region. This alignment has strengthened cooperation on defense and intelligence.
- Criticism and Challenges: While the accords received international praise, they were also met with criticism, particularly from Palestinian leaders, who saw the agreements as sidestepping their aspirations for statehood. Critics argue that without addressing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict directly, long-term peace remains elusive.
Conclusion
The Abraham Accords stand as one of the most consequential diplomatic achievements in recent Middle Eastern history. By opening pathways for cooperation and dialogue between Israel and several Arab nations, the accords have reshaped regional alliances and established new opportunities for prosperity. Though challenges remain—especially regarding the unresolved Israeli-Palestinian conflict—the accords have set a powerful precedent, suggesting that peace and partnership are attainable even amid longstanding tensions.
The Abraham Accords represent a testament to the potential for diplomacy to transcend conflict, redefining what the future of Middle Eastern relations could look like. Whether they will bring lasting peace remains to be seen, but they have undoubtedly changed the diplomatic landscape, creating a new paradigm in one of the world’s most complex regions.