In the vein of American foreign policy, the blockbuster just occurred. The last time anyone can remember a sizable peace treaty in the Middle East, specifically between Israel and any other nation, was March 26, 1979 the Egypt–Israel Peace Treaty. It was signed by Egyptian president Anwar Sadat and Israeli prime minister Menachem Begin, brokered by United States president Jimmy Carter. I mean, that long ago! Now today, September 15, 2020, seven weeks from the General Election, United States President Donald J. Trump has managed a coup of peace accords between Israel, the United Arab Emirates Republic, Bahrain. Earlier in the year, President Trump brokered the Peace to Prosperity: A Vision to Improve the Lives of the Palestinian and Israeli People. So, after decades of unrest between these nations, what are we to think? All the previous presidents could not get this done, but here it is! What can possibly be different about President Trump? Is it the ‘art of the deal?” Is it just the right time in history and he is the luckiest man in the collective of our presidents?
No doubt some are going to label it political because it is so close to the elections, but listen to what the major players involved are saying.
“To all of Israel’s friends in the Middle East – those who are with us today and those who will join us tomorrow – I say, salaam aleichem, peace unto thee, Shalom. The blessings of peace that we make today will be enormous, first because this peace will eventually expand to include other Arab states, and ultimately, it can end the Arab-Israel conflict once and for all.”
– Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
According to the Jerusalem post, UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed expressed similar sentiments, reinforcing that “we are witnessing today a new trend that will create a new path for the Middle East.”
But he also emphasized that the Abraham Accords “will enable us to stand with the Palestinians and enable their hopes of establishing a Palestinian state.” He thanked Netanyahu for “halting annexation of Palestinian territories.”
The Times of Israel had this statement from Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani.
“To the State of Israel and Prime Minister Netanyahu, we welcome and appreciate these steps from you and your government, recognizing that enduring peace and security is only possible through a genuine engagement that protects the rights and interests of countries and peoples in the region.”
“In particular, I want to express my deep appreciation to President Donald Trump and his Administration, Mr. President – your statesmanship and tireless efforts have brought us here today and made peace a reality. And to Secretary Pompeo, Senior Advisor Jared Kushner, and Special Representative Avi Berko-witz and others who have all carried out their mandates with dedication and skill.”
So, even though the Palestinians don’t think too highly of this, it would seem ground work is being laid. The wonder is that it happened now. Even though there were reports in August, the deal was consummated today. Laid out for everyone to see. You may not have been concentrating on Middle East peace deals, but you had to be surprised. What are your thoughts of this historic moment?