The Quiet Hand Of Kushner: Shaping Trump's Middle East Policy

Chloe Fitzgerald

4 min read

Post on May 11, 2025

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Kushner's Approach: A Focus on "Deals" and Bypassing Traditional Diplomacy

Kushner's unique background and close relationship with President Trump allowed him to operate outside traditional diplomatic channels. Unlike career diplomats who often prioritize established protocols and long-term strategies, Kushner prioritized direct negotiations and what he termed “deals,” focusing on immediate, tangible results. This approach often bypassed established State Department processes and experienced diplomats, leading to both praise and significant criticism.

• Emphasis on transactional diplomacy: Kushner favored quick wins and demonstrable achievements, sometimes at the expense of comprehensive, long-term solutions.
• Limited involvement of career diplomats: This resulted in concerns about a lack of institutional knowledge and expertise guiding US policy in the region.
• Focus on immediate results over long-term strategy: This approach, while yielding some short-term successes, raised questions about the sustainability of the agreements reached.

The Abraham Accords, often cited as a key success, perfectly exemplify this approach. The rapid normalization of relations between Israel and several Arab nations was achieved through direct negotiations and a focus on mutual benefits, bypassing some of the traditional obstacles to peace in the region.

Key Initiatives and Their Impact: The Abraham Accords and Beyond

The Abraham Accords: A Landmark Achievement or a Limited Success?

The Abraham Accords, brokered by Kushner, normalized relations between Israel and several Arab nations, including the UAE, Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan. While hailed as a significant diplomatic breakthrough by some, others criticized the agreements for their exclusion of the Palestinians and their lack of addressing core issues of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

• Normalization agreements between Israel and several Arab nations: These agreements led to increased trade, tourism, and cooperation in several areas.
• Criticism regarding the lack of Palestinian involvement: The absence of Palestinian participation raised concerns that the accords might solidify existing power imbalances in the region.
• Long-term prospects for peace in the region: The lasting impact of the Abraham Accords on regional stability and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict remains to be seen. Are they a stepping stone to a broader peace, or a distraction from unresolved issues?

Other Middle East Policy Initiatives Under Kushner's Influence

Beyond the Abraham Accords, Kushner played a role in shaping other aspects of Trump's Middle East policy. This included various economic initiatives aimed at fostering development in the Palestinian territories (often criticized as insufficient) and responses to regional conflicts. These initiatives also faced their share of criticism.

• Economic proposals for the Palestinian territories: These proposals, often met with skepticism, aimed to stimulate economic growth but were criticized for lacking sufficient funding and addressing underlying political issues.
• Responses to conflicts in the region: Kushner’s influence on how the administration addressed conflicts in Syria, Yemen, and elsewhere has been debated.
• Criticism of the administration's policies: Critics pointed to inconsistencies and a lack of clear strategic vision in the administration’s approach to these issues.

Criticisms and Controversies Surrounding Kushner's Role

Kushner's involvement in Middle East policy was not without controversy. Concerns were raised about potential conflicts of interest due to his family's business dealings and his lack of formal experience in foreign policy and diplomacy.

• Concerns about his business dealings and potential conflicts of interest: Critics questioned the potential influence of his business interests on policy decisions.
• Criticisms of his lack of formal diplomatic experience: His relative lack of experience led some to question his ability to navigate the complexities of Middle Eastern politics effectively.
• Assessment of the impact of his actions on US foreign policy credibility: The unconventional approach, coupled with the controversies, raised questions about the long-term impact on the US's standing in the region.

Conclusion

Jared Kushner's influence on Trump's Middle East policy was undeniable, characterized by a distinctive approach prioritizing direct deals and bypassing traditional diplomacy. While initiatives like the Abraham Accords yielded significant short-term results, his tenure also faced considerable criticism concerning conflicts of interest and a perceived disregard for established diplomatic processes. Understanding the Kushner Middle East policy requires a nuanced assessment of both its achievements and its shortcomings. To gain a complete understanding of this pivotal period, further research into the specifics of each initiative and the broader geopolitical context is strongly recommended. Further investigation into the long-term impacts of the Kushner Middle East policy is crucial for comprehending the future dynamics of the region and its implications for US foreign policy.