Why I'm Somewhat optimistic about the Abraham Accords despite the spotty recent history in the Middle East

The wild optimism that greeted the oh, so public handshake for peace on the White House lawn between the PLO's Yasser Arafat, no peace be upon him, and Israel's Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, of blessed memory, with a beaming President Bill Clinton (D) in the middle, 27 years ago; the wild optimism that greeted the Camp David Accords, facilitated by President Jimmy Carter (D) between Egypt's President Anwar Sadat, now deceased, and Israel's Prime Minister Menachem Begin, of blessed memory, 41 years ago; the wild optimism that greeted the Israel-Jordan Peace Treaty signed by Jordan's late Prime Minister Abdul-Salam Majali and Yitzhak Rabin 26 years ago also during the Clinton presidency; and the harsh reality that followed each of these events dampen slightly my wild optimism — oh, how I want to believe — about the results of the Abraham Accords signed on the White House lawn between Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Persian Gulf States that constitute the United Arab Emirates, represented by minister of foreign affairs of Bahrain Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani and minister of foreign affairs for the United Arab Emirates Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyani. And, of course, the United States' President Donald J. Trump (R).

However, while the former agreement wasn't worth the ink wasted, as Arafat never had any intention of upholding any letter of it, the two treaties between Israel and Egypt and Israel and Jordan, two countries that share borders with Israel, are still in force — and enforced by all parties, though it is a cold peace. But a cold peace is better than a hot war so my optimism remains. And the United Arab Emirates are in the Persian (sic) Gulf; they do not border Israel, Egypt, or Jordan. Optimism, not wild optimism.

FROM THE ARTICLE:

Based as it is on shared interests, the Israel-UAE alliance is likely to persevere in the years to come. But America's continued participation in the alliance is significantly tied to the outcome of the presidential elections.

Hmm, "tied to the outcome of the presidential elections." Hmm, so a President Biden (D) — gag! — or a President Harris (D) — double-gag! — might not honor a treaty signed by their predecessor in the name of the United States.

So I'm still not wildly optimistic. But optimistic. Hopefully in oh, say, five years, that optimism will be validated. Then maybe I can feel wildly optimistic.

Iran( Persian) has a big hold on the ME. This appears to be an alliance against Persia. For a time this may work however there are blood feuds in religious differences and tribal factions.

I want to be optimistic but pointing toward Arafat/Begin was merely paper and led to a lot of blood.

I honestly want to see peace in our time but not blinded by the hostilities and vengeance which is predominant in the ME.

I’ll wait and see

“Somewhat Optimistic” should become significantly more optimistic, when 7 to 9 more Arab Countries, including Saudi Arabia sign on, as our President stated this Tuesday.

The Saudi signing ceremony will be the main event - the one that will stick in the memory over the decades to come.

It will have to be done with Saudi grandeur. I would expect a big audience from other Sunni Countries.

I think a big difference between this and former approaches, has been dealing with the players real main motivators, and incorporating a solid economic vision underpinning it, with identified resources. A real economic development plan, like countries do for themselves, rather than just some top line number handed over to be squandered, like a bribe.

Yes, the common enemies of the mad mullahs in Iran, and the Muslim Brotherhood infiltrated within are powerful sticks to motivate alliance, but an alluring vision of a reasonably spectacular economic development, in time to diversify off of dependence on oil, scratches another itch, that seriously challenges the region’s Governments.

That may be why the most dynamic and diversified economies in the region, Israel and the UAE are the headliners. There is a powerful attraction to Dubai-like, and Israeli-like prosperity, that can sell this deal to the Arab man on the street. A bright new era of opportunity.

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