“We are here this afternoon to change the course of history. After decades of division and conflict we mark the dawn of a new Middle East” – Donald Trump
On September 15, Arab-Israel peace deal in 26 years, was signed between Israel, United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Bahrain mediated by the United States.
Background
Since the establishment of Israel in 1948. Most Arab countries have refused to give recognition to Israel as a state. Israel had peace deals signed only with two other Arab States, Egypt in 1979 and Jordan in 1994 following several wars.
What led to this accord?
- Israel , UAE and Bahrain share a common threat perception, about Iran’s rising control in the region and development of Ballistic missiles
- Technological and economic cooperation : Trade, economic and technological cooperation are priorities of both countries.
- Lack of major opposition from the local population: there is minimal opposition to peace with Israel.
About the agreement
- Open doors for the countries to work together on various sectors tourism, trade, healthcare and security.
- To establish embassies and exchange ambassadors
- Opening up of the Al-Aqsa Mosque ,third holiest place in Islam, for the Muslims across the globe.
Significance
- UAE and Bahrain can become centres to Israeli exports of goods and services to diverse geographies.
- Israel has a potential population of skilled and unskilled manpower to provide to the Gulf Cooperation Council.
Aftermath
- It has led to a road of lasting peace and security. UAE and Israel peace advent will have a positive impact in the region.
- A gradual inclination of Arab countries towards Israel, and decoupling of Palestine is visible.
- It also helps to build a goodwill with United States
- Even though Saudi has not agreed to sign the peace deal it is supportive of UAE, and has allowed commercial flights from Israel to cross over Saudi to UAE
- As the other gulf countries, Saudi Arabia, Oman have welcomed the peace deal, and are likely to join following the response of Abraham Accord.
Abraham Accord coin
To mark this historic occasion temple coins has minted a limited quantity of ornate commemorative medals designed by artist Aharon Shavo.
Cause of concern
- Widening of Shia Sunni divide : Shia dominating Iran and Sunni dominating Saudi Arabia has a long history of cold war. A major reason for instability in West Asia, this agreement would further increase the divide provoking violence among Muslims in other countries too.
- Palestine is left out in cold: A majority of Palestinian population is not in favor of the deal of Israel with UAE.
India’s Interest
- Geographical Location and Energy: Gulf region is strategically important due to its energy resource and trade route. India has been heavily dependent on the energy resources from the Middle East region.
- Military and strategic ties: Rise of Islamic extremist terrorism in both regions has developed a strategic Alliance, and Israel is the second largest producer of defence equipment.
- Diaspora: Over 8 million diaspora in gulf remitting nearly $50 billion
Recent Developments
- A couple of events have been conducted in the past few months between the countries to develop a significant bond
- In March 2021, Bahrain appointed its first ever ambassador to Israel, Khaled Yousif Al-Jalahma
Other Countries
- Sudan : On 23 October 2020, Sudan formally agreed to normalize ties with Israel, and join the broader diplomatic realignment in the middle east.
- Morocco- Israel normalization agreement was inked on 10 December 2020
Way Forward
The signatories of the Abraham Accord chose cooperation over conflict, friendship over enmity. They chose a future where all communities live together in peace and harmony, but the recent Israel Palestine uprising has caused a tinge in the agreement. For a sustainable existence of the accord a cordial balance between Shia-Sunni and Persia-Arab needs to be maintained.
SOURCES
- The Hindu
- Economic Times
- DrishtiIAS
- YouTube
- The Atlantic
- Wikipedia
10 June 2021
very helpful