Middle Eastern Peace: A Shift in Perspective
The belief that peace in the Middle East hinges on a formal agreement between Israel and the Palestinian Authority is becoming increasingly outdated. It’s a notion that seems, well, misguided and has only fueled the conflict over the past three decades—affecting U.S. interests in the region negatively.
In 2020, the Abraham Accord, facilitated by former President Trump, presented a different approach. It introduces a framework for peace that includes not just Israel and the Palestinian Authority but other neighboring countries too.
Trump’s efforts to break away from the traditionally accepted Oslo peace process—which still garners support from a bipartisan group of political and media elites—merit significant recognition. His strategy has fostered cooperation between Israel and various Arab nations. To genuinely support peace in the Middle East, it’s essential to broaden this network of normalization and integration. Such efforts could enhance tolerance, understanding, and development in the region while paving the way for a sustainable resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian issue.
Trump’s Influence on Israeli-Arab Relations
This view might catch former Secretary of State John Kelly off guard. He once asserted that peace between Israel and Arab nations was impossible without a pact with the Palestinians. His firm “no, no, no” stance now seems overly restrictive.
The Abraham Accord has dispelled this misconception. The agreements involving Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Morocco have significantly boosted collaboration across many fields. From environmental conservation to advancements in healthcare, and even in sports and interfaith discussions, various initiatives are thriving. Trade and tourism have also seen remarkable growth.
Even amidst the turmoil sparked by Hamas’s attacks on October 7, 2023, trade continued to thrive. Remarkably, trade with the UAE skyrocketed by 843%, and there were also boosts with Bahrain and Morocco.
Regrettably, under the Biden administration, attempts to further this historic process, initiated by Trump, have not materialized, largely sticking to the old narrative that Kelly endorsed.
However, despite this stalemate, the Abraham Accord remains a concern for regimes like Iran and Hamas, as its expansion poses a threat to their influence. This apprehension likely influenced Hamas’s decision to strike Israel in October 2023.
Fast forward twenty-one months after that tragic event, and the framework of the Accord is still intact. Relations between Israel and its partners remain strong, with ongoing high-level diplomatic discussions and agreements continuing to grow.
Moreover, the Accord has facilitated humanitarian aid efforts in Gaza, with Israel working alongside the UAE and Morocco, benefiting from established trust since 2020.
Looking Toward the Future
The prospect of Trump returning to the White House seems to have reignited discussions around regional collaboration. Many U.S. allies see the benefits of peace, from improved bilateral relations with Israel to broader partnerships that could stem from initiatives like the India-Central East European Corridor and the Middle East Security Alliance.
The Palestinian Authority is at a pivotal moment. Its leader, Mahmoud Abbas, has exceeded his four-year term by two decades and still oversees a government that struggles with corruption and economic stagnation. Moving forward, the PA faces a crucial decision. Will it embrace the spirit of the Abraham Accord, fostering dialogue and cooperation? Or will it persist with rejectionist attitudes that have led nowhere over the last thirty years, leaning instead on extremist elements?
Instead of dismissing Trump’s contributions to advancing the Abraham Accord, Palestinians and those genuinely invested in Middle Eastern peace should seek to strengthen these agreements, encouraging a break from past failures. This shift is essential for achieving lasting peace and prosperity in the region, aligning with vital American interests.
