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Donald Trump's Abraham Accords: Three Years of Unexpected Peace and Prosperity in the Middle East
This September, the world commemorates the three-year anniversary of the Abraham Accords. Spearheaded by President Donald Trump's administration, this agreement marked a significant departure from past strategies to achieve peace in the Middle East. Despite initial skepticism, the Abraham Accords have proven to be a momentous development, not only in international relations but also in economic and societal collaboration among the participating nations. The Accords have had a transformative impact, fostering peace and collaboration among Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco.
Moving the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem
The Abraham Accords came on the heels of another audacious move by President Donald Trump: the relocation of the United States Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Despite warnings from the Obama administration and various experts who predicted that such a move would incite violence in the region, President Trump stuck to his campaign promise. Contrary to these doomsday forecasts, the relocation did not lead to war but rather laid the groundwork for the subsequent peace agreements.
The Making of History: Abraham Accords
The Abraham Accords were signed in 2020 without the firing of a single bullet. For decades, diplomatic norms had kept relationships between Israel and these Arab states in the shadows. The Accords brought these clandestine relationships into the light, providing the necessary "runway and jet fuel" for diplomatic, economic, and societal growth to take off. The deal became a manifestation of the strength that can be harnessed when America leads boldly on the world stage.
Economic and Social Impact
One of the most tangible impacts of the Abraham Accords is its economic ripple effect. According to the Abraham Accords Peace Institute, trade between the involved nations surged to $3.37 billion in 2022, marking an 82% increase from the previous year.
Moreover, the Accords have paved the way for groundbreaking partnerships, such as Bahrain's plans to utilize Israeli solar technology. These collaborative efforts extend beyond economics into the realm of society and culture. In a historic moment, the Abrahamic Family House was inaugurated in Abu Dhabi, featuring a mosque, a church, and a synagogue under one roof. The facility aims to foster interfaith dialogue and understanding.
Personal Perspectives: A United Front for Peace
From firsthand experiences, the Abraham Accords have not just changed policies but also perceptions. Abraham Hamadeh, a U.S. Army Reserve captain and intelligence officer, served in the Middle East during the historic signing. With Syrian ancestry and Arabic language skills, Hamadeh had unique personal interactions with the Saudi Arabian security apparatus, which indicated a readiness for peace.
The Biden Administration and Missed Opportunities
When President Joe Biden assumed office in January 2021, he had an opportunity to build upon the Abraham Accords. Unfortunately, his administration distanced itself from these agreements during its first year. Instead, the Biden administration has prioritized appeasement with Iran, often to the detriment of America's closest allies. This shift in foreign policy has had a chilling effect on the momentum gained from the Abraham Accords.
Nobel Peace Prize and Credibility
The lack of recognition for the Abraham Accords by the Nobel Peace Prize Foundation is disappointing, to say the least. Had the broker been someone other than Trump, it is likely that the Foundation would have already awarded its highest honor for this historic achievement. The Foundation's failure to do so casts doubt on its impartiality and undermines its credibility.
The Nobel Foundation’s decision not to honor the Abraham Accords or President Donald Trump raises questions about the politicization of peace recognitions. The Accords have substantially contributed to peace in the Middle East, and it is hard to see how they don't meet the criteria for such an esteemed honor.
The Road Ahead: Saudi Arabia and Beyond
Looking ahead, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia appears to be the next Arab-majority country on the brink of normalizing relations with Israel. Given the Biden administration's track record, it is unlikely that they will serve as effective brokers. However, a recent incident involving an Israeli plane's emergency landing in Saudi Arabia shows promise. The passengers reported a pleasant experience, with some Saudis greeting them in Hebrew, indicating that peace might be closer than we think.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Arabic social media post, expressing appreciation to the Saudi government, suggests that the Arab-Israeli détente is not only possible but increasingly likely.
Conclusion: An America First Foreign Policy
In conclusion, The Abraham Accords serve as a prime example of how "Trump's America First" doesn’t mean America alone. Leading with strength and diplomacy, the Trump Administration has set the stage for a more peaceful and prosperous Middle East. Three years on, the Abraham Accords stand as a testament to what is possible when nations come together with a shared vision for a better future.
