Kushner's Behind-the-Scenes Influence On Trump's Middle East Plans

Mei Lin

5 min read

Post on May 11, 2025

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Kushner's Role and Access

Kushner's involvement in Middle East policy was unique and, at times, controversial. His influence stemmed from his unconventional approach and unparalleled access to the President.

Unconventional Approach and Direct Access to Trump

Kushner's lack of formal diplomatic experience was a departure from traditional approaches to foreign policy. However, his direct access to President Trump allowed him to bypass established bureaucratic channels and exert significant influence on decision-making processes.

• Lack of formal diplomatic experience: This unconventional background allowed for fresh perspectives but also raised concerns about a lack of established expertise in navigating complex geopolitical situations.
• Direct access to the President's ear: Kushner's close relationship with Trump gave him a unique platform to shape policy discussions and influence the President's thinking on critical issues in the Middle East.
• Influence on decision-making processes: His involvement in key discussions and his ability to directly present proposals to the President significantly impacted the direction of US foreign policy in the region. His input was often decisive.

Building Relationships with Key Players

Kushner cultivated personal relationships with numerous foreign leaders, significantly influencing negotiations and shaping the direction of US foreign policy.

• His meetings with MBS (Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia): These meetings fostered a close relationship that proved crucial in shaping Saudi Arabia's position on various regional issues.
• His interactions with Israeli and Palestinian leaders: Kushner engaged extensively with both sides of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, seeking to foster understanding and cooperation. His efforts were notable, although ultimately fell short of a comprehensive peace agreement.
• The impact of these personal connections on negotiations: Kushner's personal relationships often facilitated direct communication and helped break deadlocks, even if these interactions were not always transparent or subject to the usual diplomatic protocols.

The Abraham Accords and Kushner's Involvement

The Abraham Accords, a series of normalization agreements between Israel and several Arab nations, stand as a central achievement of the Trump administration's Middle East policy, and Kushner played a pivotal role.

Key Negotiator and Architect

Kushner was a key negotiator and architect of the Abraham Accords, employing a strategic approach focused on achieving normalization agreements between Israel and several Arab nations.

• His direct negotiations with involved countries: Kushner engaged in extensive, often secret, negotiations with key players, fostering relationships and building consensus.
• Strategic approach to normalization agreements: His strategy focused on achieving incremental progress, building trust among parties who had previously been deeply divided.
• Secrecy and behind-the-scenes diplomacy: Much of Kushner's work on the Abraham Accords took place behind closed doors, away from the public eye, highlighting a deliberate approach to sensitive negotiations.

Long-Term Implications and Criticisms

The Abraham Accords have had significant long-term implications for regional stability, but they have also faced significant criticism.

• Successes in regional stability: The agreements have led to increased cooperation between Israel and several Arab nations, improving regional stability to a degree.
• Criticisms regarding Palestinian concerns: A major criticism is the perceived lack of meaningful concessions for the Palestinians, whose concerns were largely sidelined in the process.
• Concerns about human rights in participating countries: Human rights concerns in some of the participating countries have also been raised, raising questions about the ethical implications of the normalization agreements.

Other Key Initiatives and Influence

Kushner's influence extended beyond the Abraham Accords, encompassing various economic initiatives and attempts to address the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Economic Development Plans for the Region

Kushner spearheaded economic development plans aimed at fostering economic growth and job creation in the Middle East.

• The "Peace to Prosperity" plan: This plan focused on massive economic investments in the region, aiming to stimulate economic growth and create opportunities for Palestinians and others.
• Focus on economic investments and job creation: The core of the plan was to attract significant foreign investment and create jobs to improve the living standards throughout the region.
• Reception and impact of these economic plans: The plan's reception was mixed, with some praising its ambitious goals and others criticizing its lack of detailed implementation strategies.

Addressing the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

Despite efforts at mediation, Kushner's attempts to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict remained largely unsuccessful.

• Successes and failures in mediation attempts: While Kushner facilitated some communication, his efforts failed to bridge the significant gaps between the two sides.
• Proposals and their reception by both sides: The proposals presented were largely rejected by the Palestinian Authority, highlighting the entrenched nature of the conflict.
• Unresolved issues and lasting impact on the conflict: The unresolved issues continue to plague the region, with Kushner's efforts leaving a mixed legacy on this front.

Conclusion

Jared Kushner's influence on Trump's Middle East policies was substantial and multifaceted. His unconventional approach, direct access to the President, and personal relationships with key regional players shaped the administration's diplomatic efforts, most notably the Abraham Accords. While the Accords achieved significant normalization agreements, criticisms remain regarding Palestinian concerns and human rights issues in some participating countries. Understanding Kushner's behind-the-scenes role provides valuable insight into the complexities of US foreign policy in the Middle East and the lasting implications of the Trump administration's legacy. To further explore the intricacies of this critical period in Middle East diplomacy, continue researching the impact of Kushner's Middle East influence and its lasting effects.