By Max Strongman
Opinions Editor

Mere months ago, the Trump Administration brokered a deal between Israel and the United Arab Emirates. Signed in mid-September, the agreement  normalizes diplomatic relations between the countries. While the stated purpose of the agreement is purely diplomatic, in reality the resolution encapsulates much more. With the establishment of diplomatic ties, countries may formally engage in proper trade relations, cooperate politically, and work together on international social initiatives.

The resolution also formally binds the countries together in their shared disdain and distrust of Iran. The United States, Israel, and the UAE are all suspicious of Iran, seemingly deemed the collective enemy of the region. As such, the accord serves to further align the countries militarily. 

The UAE has long been on the prowl for bleeding-edge, high-tech military equipment. For years, the US has left the gulf state window shopping; a ‘look don’t touch’ sort of arrangement. This is due in part because the United States seeked to benefit diplomatically, and potentially economically from such a deal. 

As for Israel, the nation gains quite a bit by normalizing relations. For one, the deal alleviates some long-standing isolationist sentiment within the government. National seclusion is general policy under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a firm believer of 1920’s Israeli “Iron Wall” rhetoric. Perhaps to that end, the resolution specifically leaves out Palestine, which has not interacted with the Trump Administration since its declaration of Jerusalem as the Israeli capital.

The United States has been largely credited with the moderation of said deal. The Trump Administration has been diligently studying the region, and they see the potential geo-political and economic prospects as well. The US has made many a pro-Isreal gesture during the Trump presidency, such as  the Jerusalem capital controversy.

“…I would expect they [the United States] will continue to seek—and receive—more for their gestures toward Israel,” said Jon Alterman of the Center of Strategic and International Studies in regards to America’s apparent generosity. 

Regardless, the resolution seems to be a win all around for those involved, and devastating for those purposely excluded. The Middle East has long been a region plagued by domestic and international violence, but many remain hopeful this arrangement serves as a catalyst prompting others to seek regional peace and prosperity.