The Quiet Hand Of Jared Kushner In Trump's Middle East Plans

5 min read Post on May 11, 2025

The Quiet Hand Of Jared Kushner In Trump's Middle East Plans

Kushner's "Deal of the Century" and its Reception

Kushner's most ambitious undertaking was the "Deal of the Century," a peace plan aimed at resolving the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Its unveiling in January 2020 marked a significant moment in US Middle East policy.

Key Features of the Plan

The plan proposed a two-state solution, but with significant concessions from the Palestinian side. Key features included:

Borders: A revised border plan significantly different from pre-2000 proposals, favoring Israeli settlements.
Jerusalem: Jerusalem was to remain Israel's undivided capital, a point of major contention with Palestinians.
Settlements: The plan largely accepted the existing Israeli settlements in the West Bank.
Palestinian Statehood: A Palestinian state was envisioned, but with limitations on its sovereignty and territorial control.
Economic Incentives: A substantial economic aid package was proposed to stimulate Palestinian development.

These proposals, however, faced significant criticism for favoring Israel and failing to address core Palestinian concerns regarding territorial integrity, statehood, and the status of Jerusalem.

International and Regional Reactions

The "Deal of the Century" was met with mixed reactions.

Israel: The Israeli government largely welcomed the plan, seeing it as favorable to its interests.
Palestine: The Palestinian Authority (PA) vehemently rejected the plan, deeming it unacceptable and biased.
Arab Nations: Arab states expressed varying degrees of support and opposition, reflecting their diverse relationships with both Israel and the US.
International Community: The UN and EU expressed concerns about certain aspects of the plan, particularly regarding Palestinian rights and a lack of Palestinian input in its formulation.

The lack of widespread support underscored the plan's inherent flaws and the difficulties in achieving a lasting peace agreement.

The Plan's Impact (or Lack Thereof)

The "Deal of the Century" ultimately had little impact on the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. Its failure to gain traction stemmed from widespread rejection by the Palestinians and a lack of buy-in from key regional players.

Negative Consequences: The plan further strained relations between the US and the Palestinian Authority.
Positive Aspects: Some viewed the economic incentives as a potential catalyst for future development, though their implementation remained uncertain.
Long-Term Implications: The plan highlighted the persistent challenges in achieving a just and lasting peace, emphasizing the deep divisions and mistrust between the involved parties.

Kushner's Relationships and Back-Channel Diplomacy

Kushner's approach to Middle East diplomacy was unconventional. He relied heavily on personal relationships and back-channel communications, often bypassing traditional diplomatic channels.

Building Relationships with Key Players

Kushner cultivated close relationships with key regional figures:

Mohammed bin Salman (MBS): Kushner developed a strong rapport with the Saudi Crown Prince.
Benjamin Netanyahu: Kushner enjoyed a close working relationship with the Israeli Prime Minister.
Mahmoud Abbas: Despite the rejection of the "Deal of the Century," Kushner attempted to maintain communication with the Palestinian President.

These personal connections allowed him to engage in direct negotiations and build trust, but also raised concerns about transparency and potential conflicts of interest.

The Role of Non-Traditional Diplomacy

Kushner favored informal, direct engagement:

Back-Channel Communications: He engaged in numerous private meetings and phone calls with regional leaders.
Unconventional Methods: His approach deviated significantly from established diplomatic norms.
Effectiveness: The effectiveness of his non-traditional diplomacy remains a subject of debate, with some arguing that it bypassed important players and processes.

Critics and Controversy Surrounding his Methods

Kushner's methods faced significant criticism:

Bypassing Traditional Channels: Critics argued his approach disregarded established diplomatic protocols.
Lack of Transparency: The secrecy surrounding many of his negotiations raised concerns about accountability and democratic processes.
Ethical Considerations: Questions were raised regarding potential conflicts of interest due to his close relationships with certain regional leaders.

These controversies overshadowed some of his accomplishments and raised doubts about the long-term effectiveness of his approach.

Kushner's Legacy and Long-Term Implications

Kushner's legacy in the Middle East remains complex and highly contested.

Assessment of Kushner's Successes and Failures

Kushner's tenure saw both successes and failures:

Successes: He successfully brokered the Abraham Accords, normalizing relations between Israel and several Arab nations.
Failures: The "Deal of the Century" failed to achieve its primary goal of resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Short-Term Consequences: His actions led to both improved and strained relationships across the region.
Long-Term Consequences: His approach's long-term impact on regional stability and US foreign policy remains unclear.

The Lasting Influence on US-Middle East Relations

Kushner’s actions have left a lasting mark on US-Middle East relations:

Regional Stability: The Abraham Accords significantly altered the regional landscape, but the Israeli-Palestinian conflict remains unresolved.
US Foreign Policy: His unconventional approach may influence future US diplomatic strategies in the region.
Future Challenges: The region still faces numerous challenges, including ongoing conflicts, economic instability, and political tensions.

Conclusion

Jared Kushner's influence on Trump's Middle East policy was significant, even though he operated largely outside traditional diplomatic structures. His "Deal of the Century" ultimately failed to achieve lasting peace, while the Abraham Accords represented a notable success, albeit one that did not address the core Israeli-Palestinian conflict. His reliance on back-channel diplomacy and personal relationships, while potentially effective in some instances, also sparked significant criticism regarding transparency and ethical considerations. Further research into Jared Kushner's Middle East initiatives is crucial for understanding the complexities of the region and the evolving dynamics of US foreign policy. Understanding the "quiet hand" of Jared Kushner helps shed light on this critical period in Middle East history. Continue reading to explore additional resources and perspectives on Jared Kushner's influence in the Trump administration's Middle East plans.