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Special UAE-Israel Abraham Accord coverage: There is power in peace; the Fab Four led by the UAE prove it

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Abraham accord, UAE, israel, bahrain america, united states

Dubai - This peace is built on the finest of Abrahamic traditions. There is a sense of unity and purpose, and it rises above the ordinary while stunting status quo.

Published: Tue 15 Sep 2020, 3:24 PM

Updated: Wed 16 Sep 2020, 1:37 AM

Peace is power; peace offers redemption, peace opens new opportunities and galvanises people and nations into action.

Peace in fact is humanity's best weapon against the state of perpetual conflict - the so-called war economy that has destroyed millions of lives and has brought civilization to its knees over decades in the Middle East. It is often said that is harder to make peace than to wage war. Now that a warm peace is emerging in the Middle East even as the cold hand of coronavirus pandemic takes hold, there is reason to look towards the future with confidence and in the spirit of cooperative action.

Highlights ahead of the signing ceremony later today:
> The deal will help the UAE become a global player in terms of breaking taboos and walls, and generate interest in the UAE as a more open economy and society: Dr. Anwar Gargash, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs
> This historic accord will bring in the results that we would like to see on the bilateral sphere and I think this is one of the major drivers of the accord: Dr. Gargash
> We have for a long time spoken about religious and cultural tolerance, and I think we are really putting this clearly across by saying that political issues, political differences need to be resolved but need not be obstacles towards communication, need not be obstacles towards building healthy bilateral relations: Dr. Gargash
> It keeps the two-state solution on the table and takes away the threat of annexation of lands, from undermining the two-state solution: Dr. Anwar Gargash
> UAE today has not changed its political position. It remains the same and that position is in support of Palestinian rights to a viable, independent state in East Jerusalem, that is their capital: Dr Anwar Gargash
> It is an opportunity for Israel to show the peace that actually yields positive results: Dr Anwar Gargash
> We have broken the psychological barrier. This was the most difficult thing: Dr Anwar Gargash
> I am very confident and very optimistic for our region, for our bilateral relations. And I am very optimistic that this accord will help my country, the UAE.consolidate its position as a very successful Arab and Muslim economy and society: Dr Anwar Gargash
> 700-1,000 dignitaries are expected to attend the White House signing ceremony at 8pm UAE time.

> Masks will not be mandatory, according to some reports, but social distancing will be maintained.

> The UAE delegation is led by Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation

> The Israeli side is led by PM Benjamin Netanyahu

> The Abraham Accord is seen as a major foreign policy victory for US President Donald Trump ahead of the election in November
Today, four countries take a leap of faith to cement their ties for peace as they sign. Indeed, it is a test of faith that they have passed, and they are to be commended for showing rare courage to get this far. The naysayers have been silenced and those seeking war and violence find themselves on the wrong side of history.

Faith in peace and trust in the other has made the Abraham Accord possible between the UAE, Israel and the United States. With Bahrain, the troika have grown into the Fab Four who give new dynamism and new meaning to this virtue in the region that has tired of war. Arab youth are weary of decades of conflct and repression and are seeking hope from the destruction and despair that surrounds them.

This peace is built on the finest of Abrahamic traditions - there is a sense of unity and purpose, and it rises above the ordinary while stunting the status quo.

The UAE has emerged the Middle East's leader for peace as it strives to move past the civilizational angst that divides people tramples upon their aspirations for a better future. Which other country can boast of more than 200 nationalities living in harmony? Tolerance and respect of individual rights have made this country a powerhouse of soft power.

For the UAE, this is about peace on its terms while breaking out of what has been a conservative and traditional approach. It has become the protagonist, the lead actor who carries the weight of the script on its strong shoulders. Israel on the other hand has emerged from decades of isolation in the Middle East and has the chance to become part of the main cast. It has moved centrestage from decades in the shadows.

The United States that is often been cast as a villain in the region by various parties now bags the supporting actor honours. And Bahrain, the latest to join the cast, is all set to grow into the role as an influential player.

The US expects new members to be added cast, which will make the script for peace stronger. Let's hope this is the beginning of a long and lasting relationship.

allan@khaleejtimes.com




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