Behind Closed Doors: Kushner's Advice Shapes Trump's Middle East Strategy

5 min read Post on May 11, 2025

Behind Closed Doors: Kushner's Advice Shapes Trump's Middle East Strategy

Kushner's Background and Approach to Middle East Diplomacy

Lack of Formal Diplomatic Experience

Jared Kushner's appointment as a senior advisor on Middle East policy raised eyebrows due to his lack of formal diplomatic experience. His background was primarily in real estate and business, leading to questions about his qualifications for such a high-stakes role. This unconventional approach, relying heavily on informal networks and personal relationships rather than established diplomatic protocols, became a defining characteristic of his tenure.

Business Background: Kushner's experience was in the private sector, not in government or international relations.
Informal Networks: He relied significantly on personal connections and informal channels of communication.
Unconventional Approach: His methods often deviated from traditional diplomatic practices.

The "Deal of the Century"

Kushner spearheaded the development and promotion of the "Deal of the Century," a peace plan aimed at resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This plan, unveiled in January 2020, proposed a two-state solution with significant concessions from both sides. However, it faced immediate and widespread criticism.

Key Proposals: The plan included proposals for territorial borders, Jerusalem's status, and the establishment of a Palestinian state.
Reactions: The Palestinian Authority rejected the plan outright, deeming it heavily biased towards Israel. Israel's response was more nuanced, with some aspects accepted and others rejected.
Feasibility and Implications: The plan's feasibility was widely questioned, and its long-term implications for regional stability remain a subject of ongoing debate.

Relationships with Key Players

Kushner cultivated close relationships with key regional leaders, often utilizing these personal connections to advance policy goals. This approach, while unconventional, played a significant role in shaping the Trump administration's Middle East strategy.

Relationship with MBS (Saudi Arabia): Kushner developed a close relationship with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, facilitating increased cooperation between the US and Saudi Arabia.
Relationship with Netanyahu (Israel): His strong relationship with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu influenced policy decisions related to Israel.
Other Significant Figures: He fostered relationships with numerous other leaders across the region, impacting policy decisions. The influence of these personal connections remains a subject of discussion.

Key Policy Decisions and Their Outcomes

Abraham Accords

Kushner played a pivotal role in brokering the Abraham Accords, a series of normalization agreements between Israel and several Arab nations, including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco. This diplomatic breakthrough was hailed as a significant achievement by the Trump administration.

Participating Countries: The accords involved significant diplomatic efforts across multiple nations.
Long-term Effects: The long-term effects on regional stability are still unfolding, with both potential benefits and challenges.
Criticisms and Controversies: The accords have faced criticism for not addressing the core issues of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Impact on the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

Kushner's policies significantly impacted the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The "Deal of the Century" was largely rejected by the Palestinians, contributing to a standstill in peace negotiations.

Changes to the Status Quo: Specific actions under Kushner's influence changed the status quo in various ways.
Impact on Peace Negotiations: The lack of progress on peace negotiations during this period is significantly attributable to Kushner's approach.
Critiques of the Administration's Approach: The administration's focus on the Abraham Accords while neglecting the Palestinian issue drew significant criticism.

Shift in US Relations with Iran

Kushner's influence on the US relationship with Iran was less direct. However, the Trump administration's maximalist pressure campaign against Iran, involving stringent sanctions and a withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal, occurred during his tenure.

Changes in Sanctions: Sanctions were significantly increased, putting further pressure on the Iranian economy.
Diplomatic Initiatives: Limited diplomatic engagement characterized the Trump administration's policy toward Iran.
Analysis of the Shift: This approach, while aimed at containing Iran's influence, has been critiqued for its lack of engagement.

Criticisms and Controversies Surrounding Kushner's Role

Conflicts of Interest

Kushner's business dealings and family connections raised significant concerns about potential conflicts of interest. The lack of transparency surrounding his financial interests fueled criticism.

Specific Examples: Specific examples were cited and investigated regarding potential conflicts between his business and policy decisions.
Ethical Concerns: These concerns led to ethical questions surrounding his involvement in policy-making.
Public Scrutiny and Investigations: His actions were subjected to public scrutiny, prompting investigations into potential conflicts of interest.

Lack of Transparency

A lack of transparency characterized Kushner's decision-making processes. The secrecy surrounding his meetings and the limited information available to the public hindered accountability.

Limited Access to Information: There was restricted access to information on his meetings and policy discussions.
Secretive Meetings: Kushner's meetings were often conducted in secrecy, limiting public oversight.
Impact on Public Understanding: The lack of transparency hindered public understanding of policy decisions and their rationale.

Effectiveness of Kushner's Approach

The effectiveness of Kushner's approach to Middle East diplomacy remains a subject of debate. While the Abraham Accords represent a significant achievement, his policies also led to heightened tensions and a lack of progress on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Achievements: The Abraham Accords and improved relationships with some nations stand as significant achievements.
Failures: Lack of progress on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and increased tensions in the region demonstrate significant shortfalls.
Lasting Impact: The long-term effects of Kushner's policies will continue to be debated and analyzed in the years to come.
Comparison with Previous Administrations: Comparisons with previous administrations' approaches to the region offer valuable context for evaluating Kushner's effectiveness.

Conclusion

Jared Kushner's influence on Trump's Middle East policy remains a complex and controversial topic. His unconventional approach, marked by personal relationships and a notable lack of traditional diplomatic experience, produced both successes like the Abraham Accords and significant criticisms regarding the handling of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Understanding the intricacies of Kushner's involvement is essential for comprehending the trajectory of US foreign policy in the region and its lasting consequences. To gain a more complete understanding, further research into Jared Kushner Middle East Policy is recommended.