Trump’s Chance to Expand the Abraham Accord
President Donald Trump is at a pivotal moment—he has the chance to significantly expand the Abraham Accord by potentially adding up to 27 predominantly Muslim countries. This move could alter the landscape of the Middle East, impacting not only the region but also shifting sentiments within the United States.
The wave of agreements would not only reshape the Middle East but could be seen as a modern-day echo of Reagan’s iconic challenge of tearing down barriers in Berlin decades ago.
Currently, 21 countries appear ready to sign on, with an additional six on the sidelines. While 17 others seem less likely to join at the moment, shifts in local politics may change that dynamic over time.
Meanwhile, Iran, under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, is facing challenges that could influence its stance. Turkey, in particular, is on unstable ground and ripe for reorganization, suggesting shifts in power dynamics could be forthcoming.
Creating Momentum
Trump has a unique opportunity to use his flair for showmanship to create a domino effect, where every few months, new signatories keep the Abraham Accord in the headlines throughout his remaining term.
Each signing could be a significant event, complete with dramatic visuals, maps outlining the expanded coalition, all framed to present the Accord as a new global norm.
Saudi Arabia stands out as a critical player. If Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman engages, Islamic institutions in the kingdom may feel pressure to either support or remain quiet on these developments. It’s likely that mosques and Islamic organizations that depend on Saudi backing will hesitate to criticize Riyadh.
However, the U.S. doesn’t need to wait for Saudi Arabia’s full endorsement. The Crown Prince has already expressed interest, allowing Washington to act more swiftly and warmly.
Kosovo’s Potential Role
Kosovo, which quietly joined the Accord in 2021 and committed to opening an embassy in Jerusalem, could lead the way. While many Muslim-majority countries in Europe haven’t been recognized properly, the joint signatures from Egypt and Jordan—both of which have peace treaties with Israel yet haven’t formally joined—could spotlight Kosovo and expand the coalition further.
Azerbaijan, with its Shia majority and Turkish ties, could also be a powerful addition, potentially challenging both Iran’s influence and Erdoğan’s ambitions. If other Central Asian nations like Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan join in, the message would be unmistakable: Turkey’s Islamic governance won’t represent the broader Turkish world.
Indonesia, home to the largest Muslim population, remains a strong possibility. The late former president, Abdurrahman Wahid, had previously championed a vision that aligns with the Accord, and his influence still resonates today.
Regional Influencers
Countries like Egypt—the largest Arab nation—have significant influence. Egypt has been vocal about advocating for Islamic reform, while Jordan holds symbolic sway over Jerusalem’s sacred sites. The UAE stands as a model many young Arabs aspire to emulate, and Morocco has been proactive in training imams overseas, shaping leadership well beyond its borders.
On the flip side, nations like Bahrain, Sudan, and Oman exhibit limited tolerance for clergy who oppose peace initiatives.
For the agreement to resonate, it needs to engage stakeholders across traditional borders, including respected religious leaders from territories such as the Kurdistan Regional Government, Somaliland, or Hebron. Each addition not only broadens the map but builds momentum.
Achieving Peace at Home and Abroad
To fully leverage this moment, Trump might consider appointing a special envoy who commands respect in both religious and political circles. Someone like Dr. Zuhdi Jasser, a Syrian American physician and veteran who has combat Islamism and has experience in public service, could be a fitting choice.
Expanding the agreement isn’t just a foreign policy goal—it’s also vital for homeland security. There are over 150 extremist groups operating within the U.S. that feed anti-Israel narratives and violence. A new agreement, bolstered by clear communication, could undermine their propaganda, illustrating a shift in the tide against extremism.
In 2017, Trump made a heartfelt appeal from Riyadh. This call now requires follow-through. A fresh wave of agreements could not only rebuild the Middle East but also resonate as a modern-day challenge reminiscent of Reagan’s iconic words 40 years ago.
