Trump Scores Major Diplomatic Win in the Middle East

The UAE has normalized diplomatic relations with Israel. Similar peace accords are likely to follow. Why Barack Obama deserves some of the credit.

President Donald J. Trump, joined by White House senior staff members, delivers a statement announcing the agreement of full normalization of relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates Thursday, Aug. 13, 2020, in the Oval Office of the White House. (Official White House Photo by Joyce N. Boghosian)

In mid-August, the world diplomatic community was stunned by news that the Trump administration had successfully brokered a historic peace agreement between the United Arab Emirates and Israel.

The Israel–United Arab Emirates peace agreement is a step of enormous significance, the first of its kind between Israel and a major Arab country since 1994.

Even such publications as the New York Times, certainly no friend to Donald Trump, hailed the accord: “A Geopolitical Earthquake Just Hit the Middle East.”

Regardless of one’s political persuasion, or personal feelings toward Donald Trump, this agreement deserves examination on its own merits. The normalization of relations between these two countries is an important step towards peace in the Middle East. Even more important may be the dramatic shift in Israeli foreign policy.

That Israeli leadership intends to abandon- for now- attempts at further annexation in favor of pursuing diplomatic relations with its Middle Eastern neighbors should be deeply heartening to anyone who truly wants peace- and justice- in the Middle East.