Kushner's Low-Profile Guidance For Trump's Middle East Trip

Hugo van Dijk

4 min read

Post on May 11, 2025

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Kushner's Role as Senior Advisor: A Behind-the-Scenes Look

Jared Kushner, President Trump's son-in-law, served as a Senior Advisor with a portfolio that included Middle East peace negotiations. His involvement was unconventional, deviating significantly from traditional diplomatic channels. This approach, while lauded by some for its agility, was criticized by others for its lack of established diplomatic protocol.

• Limited Foreign Policy Experience: Prior to his appointment, Kushner possessed limited experience in foreign policy or international relations, a fact that fueled much of the criticism surrounding his role.
• Direct Access and Influence: Kushner enjoyed unprecedented access to President Trump, allowing him significant influence over decision-making regarding the Middle East. This direct line of communication bypassed established bureaucratic processes.
• Focus on Personal Relationships: Kushner's strategy heavily emphasized building personal relationships with key players in the region, prioritizing face-to-face meetings and informal dialogues. This approach prioritized building trust and understanding over formal diplomatic procedures.

Key Strategies Employed During Trump's Middle East Trips

Kushner's strategies during Trump's Middle East trips centered on personal diplomacy and a focus on achievable, specific goals. He favored informal settings and direct communication, aiming to circumvent the complexities and potential roadblocks of traditional diplomatic processes.

• Emphasis on Personal Rapport: Kushner prioritized building strong personal connections with leaders from Israel, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, and other regional powers. These relationships were seen as crucial to fostering trust and open communication.
• Informal Settings and Direct Communication: Rather than relying solely on formal meetings and diplomatic protocols, Kushner favored informal settings and direct communication to foster a more relaxed atmosphere conducive to open dialogue. This approach aimed to bypass bureaucratic hurdles and foster genuine connections.
• Prioritization of Specific Goals: Kushner's approach focused on setting achievable, specific goals rather than pursuing broad, long-term objectives. This strategy aimed for incremental progress rather than attempting to solve the deeply entrenched issues in the region all at once.

The "Deal of the Century" and Kushner's Involvement

The "Deal of the Century," a peace plan aimed at resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, was a central component of Kushner's Middle East strategy. He played a significant role in its formulation and presentation. The plan, however, received mixed reactions, highlighting the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

• Key Proposals: The plan included proposals on territorial issues, economic development, security arrangements, and the status of Jerusalem. The specific details were met with both praise and criticism from various stakeholders.
• Criticism and Praise: The plan was praised by some for its attempt to address long-standing issues, while others criticized it for being heavily biased towards Israel and failing to adequately address Palestinian concerns. The reception was heavily divided along geopolitical and ideological lines.
• Long-Term Prospects: The "Deal of the Century" ultimately failed to gain widespread acceptance and has had little tangible impact on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It remains a significant yet largely unsuccessful element in Kushner's Middle East policy legacy.

Assessing the Impact and Long-Term Consequences

Kushner's approach to Middle East peace yielded mixed results. While he fostered some improved relationships, his strategies also faced significant setbacks and criticisms. The lasting impact of his efforts remains a subject of ongoing debate.

• Positive Outcomes: Some argue that Kushner's efforts improved relationships between certain countries in the region and encouraged increased dialogue. However, evidence of these lasting improvements remains limited.
• Negative Outcomes: Critics point to increased tensions in the region, stalled peace processes, and the exacerbation of existing conflicts as negative consequences of Kushner's involvement. The "Deal of the Century's" failure is a key example.
• Long-Term Implications: The long-term implications for US foreign policy in the Middle East are still unfolding. Kushner's unconventional approach has raised questions about the effectiveness of traditional diplomacy versus personal relationship-building in resolving complex geopolitical issues.

Conclusion

Jared Kushner's low-profile guidance significantly shaped President Trump's Middle East policy. His unconventional approach, marked by a focus on personal relationships and specific goals, yielded some successes in fostering dialogue but also faced significant limitations. The "Deal of the Century," a central element of this strategy, remains a point of contention, highlighting the challenges and complexities of Middle East peace negotiations. Understanding Kushner's influence is essential for analyzing US-Middle East relations. To gain a more comprehensive understanding, further research into Kushner's Middle East guidance and its lasting consequences is vital. Continue your research to delve deeper into the complexities of Kushner's Middle East influence and its impact on the region.