Middle Eastern Politics and US Foreign Policy (2020-2023)

2020

• Trump Administration Initiatives:
• Announced the 'Vision for Peace' plan for Israel/Palestine.
• Drafted the Abraham Accords for Israeli peace talks with Arab states.
• Public reveal in September leading to:
  • UAE-Israel peace treaty
  • Bahrain-Israel peace treaty
• Military Actions:
• US assassinated Iranian Major General Qasim Suleimani at Baghdad airport,
  • Operation was aided by Israeli intelligence.
• Israeli Politics:
• Three inconclusive elections resulted in Netanyahu remaining in office through coalition governments.
• Shared the post of prime minister with Benny Gantz.
• US Elections:
• Joe Biden defeats Donald Trump to become president in January 2021.

2021

• Continuing Accords and Political Changes:
• More countries sign the Abraham Accords.
• Netanyahu is ousted after 12 years, replaced by Naftali Bennett.
• Iran Relations:
• Israel assassinated a top Iranian nuclear scientist.
• President Biden initiated new contacts with Iran, aiming to revive the JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action) agreement.

2022

• Ukraine Conflict:
• Russia invades Ukraine.
• UAE refuses to honor a free visa program for Ukrainian refugees.
• Israel takes a neutral stance regarding the Russian invasion.
• Iran-Russia Relations:
• Iran begins providing drones to Russia.
• Israeli Politics:
• Netanyahu is re-elected in December, forming a right-wing coalition with a 'religious Zionist' agenda.

2023

• Housing Developments:
• Israel states its intention to build 10,000 housing units in the West Bank.
• JCPOA Status:
• The US fails to reinstate the JCPOA agreement, continuing tensions in the region.

Key Themes:

• Ongoing conflicts and assassinations in Middle Eastern politics.
• Shifting alliances and international relations influenced by key administrations.
• Election outcomes significantly affecting regional leadership and policy.