Building a New Era: Donald Trump, the Abraham Accords, and Middle East Peace

Analysis: Donald Trump’s Return Could Pave the Way for Middle East Peace

In an analysis for Times, experts Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Dennis Ross, Adam Boehler, Roya Hakakian, and Steven Tian argue that the return of Donald Trump’s administration may offer a renewed opportunity for stability in the Middle East. They envision Trump’s leadership as pivotal in reviving efforts for a peaceful and prosperous future in the region, benefiting both Muslim and Jewish communities. According to the analysis, three core areas of focus could enable Trump to advance this goal, building upon previous peace initiatives.

One primary objective would be to expand the Abraham Accords, initially brokered under Trump’s first term, which normalized relations between Israel and several Arab states, including the UAE, Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan. The analysts suggest that Saudi Arabia, a symbolic and spiritual leader in the Islamic world, might eventually follow suit. This move could create a formidable alliance to counter destabilizing forces in the region, referred to as the “Axis of Evil.” While recent conflicts have delayed these ambitions, the authors believe Trump’s return could renew momentum toward normalization between Israel and Saudi Arabia, ultimately helping improve conditions for the Palestinian people as well.

The authors contend that the Biden administration has also aimed to foster a Saudi-Israel deal, though ongoing violence, including Hamas’s October 7 attacks, has presented obstacles. They argue that recent escalations have intensified Saudi Arabia’s need to demonstrate tangible benefits for Palestinians, a sentiment that Trump’s leadership could leverage toward regional stability.

Reflecting on the economic and diplomatic benefits of the Abraham Accords, the analysis notes that countries embracing the Accords are already reaping rewards, while Iran’s influence appears weakened. As Jared Kushner, the architect of the Accords, observed, Gulf states like the UAE are making strides in economic and social progress by investing in infrastructure and human capital, in contrast to a struggling Iran. The authors argue that by broadening economic and diplomatic ties, the region could see a new era of shared prosperity, with peace efforts fostering sustainable growth across the Middle East.

As Trump prepares to take office, advocates of the Accords hope his administration’s renewed emphasis on regional collaboration will bring lasting benefits, extending peace and prosperity to a wider Middle Eastern community.