Jared Kushner's Low-Profile Counsel For Trump's Middle East Plans

Chloe Fitzgerald

4 min read

Post on May 11, 2025

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Kushner's Role and Access: A Unique Position of Influence

Jared Kushner's relationship with President Trump, as son-in-law and senior advisor, granted him unparalleled access to the highest levels of decision-making. His appointment as a senior advisor with broad responsibilities in the Middle East was unusual, given his lack of formal diplomatic experience. This unconventional approach, however, placed him at the center of crucial policy discussions.

• Unprecedented access: Kushner enjoyed direct access to the President, shaping the administration's approach to the region's most pressing issues.
• Influence despite lack of experience: His influence stemmed not from traditional diplomatic expertise, but from his close relationship with the President and his family connections.
• Business background and connections: Kushner's business background and network of contacts also played a role in his approach to Middle East peace negotiations.

Key Strategies and Initiatives of Kushner's Middle East Policy

Kushner's approach to Middle East peace centered on his controversial "Deal of the Century," a plan focusing on economic incentives and bilateral agreements rather than the traditional multilateral approach. His initiatives aimed to address the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and foster broader regional normalization.

• Economic incentives: The "Deal of the Century" prioritized economic development and investment as a catalyst for peace, envisioning a massive investment in the Palestinian territories.
• Bilateral focus: Kushner's strategy emphasized bilateral agreements, bypassing traditional negotiations involving multiple international stakeholders.
• Controversy and criticism: The "Deal of the Century" faced significant criticism for its perceived lack of attention to core Palestinian concerns, including the issue of statehood and the status of Jerusalem.

Analysis of Kushner's Successes and Failures

Despite the controversies, Kushner's efforts did yield some notable successes, most prominently the Abraham Accords, which normalized relations between Israel and several Arab nations. However, his approach also faced significant setbacks.

• Successes: The Abraham Accords stand as a significant achievement, expanding diplomatic ties and potentially fostering regional stability.
• Failures: The lack of Palestinian buy-in for the "Deal of the Century" highlights a significant failure to address the core issues of the conflict.
• Long-term implications: The long-term sustainability of the Abraham Accords and the overall impact of Kushner's policies on the region remain to be seen. The impact on the Palestinian cause, in particular, is still being debated extensively.

Long-Term Impact and Legacy of Kushner's Counsel

Kushner's involvement has left a lasting mark on US-Middle East relations. His unconventional approach and focus on economic incentives, while controversial, have undeniably shifted the dynamics of regional alliances and influenced subsequent administrations.

• Shifting alliances: The Abraham Accords represent a significant shift in regional alliances, though the long-term ramifications are still unclear.
• Impact on peace process: The "Deal of the Century" has significantly altered the narrative around the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, though its effectiveness remains debated.
• Lasting influence: Kushner's influence on the approach to Middle East peace is likely to shape discussions and strategies for years to come. His focus on economic pragmatism might continue to influence policymakers.

Conclusion: Evaluating the Impact of Jared Kushner's Low-Profile Counsel

Jared Kushner's role as a senior advisor on Middle East policy was unique and unconventional, characterized by both significant achievements and notable shortcomings. His approach, while generating controversy, has reshaped aspects of the US relationship with the region. His focus on economic incentives and bilateral agreements represents a departure from traditional diplomatic approaches. Ultimately, evaluating the full impact of Jared Kushner's low-profile counsel requires a nuanced understanding of both the successes and failures of his initiatives and their lasting effect on the ongoing complexities of the Middle East. To further understand the intricacies of Jared Kushner's low-profile counsel and its impact, explore more detailed analyses of the Abraham Accords and the "Deal of the Century," and research the extensive literature on the lasting effects of his time as Middle East advisor.