The US-brokered peace deal between Israel and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) reflects the changing power dynamics across the Gulf states and the larger Muslim world. Israel, America’s closest ally in the region, has long stopped being regarded as the number one enemy of the Muslim world. More so to Washington’s friends, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
The change did not happen overnight as the two sides have been talking behind closed doors for a year at least. Nor is UAE the first Muslim country to recognise Israel and have full diplomatic ties with that country. Egypt had done it in 1979, followed by Jordan in 1994. Egyptian President Anwar Sadat enraged Islamists and was assassinated for his peace deal with Israel. But the world has changed dramatically since then.
The UAE-Israel deal has more to do with concerns over Iran’s growing clout than a concern for Palestine. Saudi Arabia and UAE see Iran as more of a threat than Israel. The Palestinian issue is merely a fig leaf. President Donald Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, the pointsman for the peace process, nudged UAE to take the final step. For Trump, it is essential to get...
THIS ARTICLE IS PRICELESS...
To read this piece, and more such stories in India's most exciting and exacting magazine, plus get access to our 25-year archives goldmine, please subscribe.
