Abraham Accords: UAE–Israel Ties and Middle East Challenges
This paper examines the key challenges facing the Middle East following the Abraham Accords, with particular attention to two interrelated issues: the impact of UAE–Israel normalization on the UAE's reputation across the Arab world, and the threat posed by Iran's increasingly isolated and hostile position. The paper considers how Arab populations in countries such as Jordan have protested closer regional cooperation with Israel, while also noting the UAE's strong economic reputation and its metropolitan, globally oriented culture as factors enabling it to lead this diplomatic shift. It further analyzes Iran's likely responses — including nuclear ambitions and proxy conflicts — and argues that sustained dialogue and diplomacy are essential to long-term regional stability.
- Introduction: Two key post-Accords challenges: Arab skepticism and Iran
- The UAE's Reputation in the Arab World: UAE's standing amid Arab protests and economic strength
- The Iranian Challenge: Iran's isolation, nuclear ambitions, and regional hostility
- Conclusion: Diplomacy needed to sustain fragile Middle East progress
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What makes this paper effective
- The paper grounds its argument in current events and named sources, lending credibility to its claims about Arab public opinion and Iranian hostility.
- It balances competing perspectives — Arab skepticism, UAE optimism, and Iranian antagonism — without reducing any side to a caricature, giving the analysis nuance appropriate to the complexity of the topic.
- The contrast between the UAE's cosmopolitan, modernized identity and the more traditional attitudes found elsewhere in the Arab world is used effectively as an explanatory framework throughout the paper.
Key academic technique demonstrated
This paper demonstrates the use of multiple sourced perspectives to build a layered geopolitical argument. Rather than relying on a single analytical lens, the author triangulates between journalistic reports, think-tank commentary, and regional news to support each claim. This multi-source approach strengthens the paper's credibility and models how to synthesize diverse evidence into a coherent analytical narrative.
Structure breakdown
The paper opens with a framing introduction that identifies two core challenges — Arab skepticism and Iranian hostility. The second section addresses the UAE's reputation, combining evidence of popular protests with data on the UAE's economic strength and global standing. The third section focuses on Iran, tracing its sense of isolation and potential escalatory responses. A brief conclusion synthesizes the tensions and calls for diplomacy. This classic problem-analysis-conclusion structure is well-suited to a policy-oriented essay.
Introduction
Despite the Abraham Accords and the hopeful tone they represent in the Middle East, significant challenges remain. One challenge in particular is the question of acceptance of the UAE's new position with regard to Israel. While some Arabs are open to and supportive of the UAE's decision to formalize ties with Israel, many others reject this development as a betrayal of the Palestinian cause. They continue to see Israel as a threat based on past actions and are unwilling to turn the page. This resistance is reflected in angry demonstrations such as those recently held in Jordan (Al Bawaba, 2021).
The other major challenge comes from Iran. Iran has long maintained a posture of hostility toward both Israel and the UAE. It has ties with Hamas and Hezbollah and has supported Assad in Syria. Iran has made no secret of its animosity toward Israel. For Arab states seeking friendlier relations with Israel, Iran remains a serious concern. What will Iran do if more Arab states turn toward Israel?
References
Al Bawaba. (2021). Protesters slam the Jordan, UAE and Israel accord on water and energy. Retrieved from https://www.albawaba.com/news/protesters-slam-jordan-uae-and-israel-accord-water-and-energy-1456174
Bryen, S. (2020). Abraham Accord makes Iran desperate. Retrieved from
EMIC. (2018). UAE ranked most reputable country in Middle East. Retrieved from https://emic.ae/uae-ranked-most-reputable-country-in-middle-east/
Medleva, V. (2019). Economy of the UAE: from a sandy desert into a global phenomenon. Retrieved from https://capital.com/economy-of-the-uae
Mousavizadeh, M. (2021). Can Iran stop Israel's normalization with the Muslim world? Retrieved from
The National. (2021). UAE economy in 'strong position' and growing, minister says. Retrieved from https://www.thenationalnews.com/business/2021/11/07/uae-economy-in-strong-position-and-has-entered-growth-phase-minister-says/
Strategy Page. (2020). Iraq: Iran forgets where Abraham came from. Retrieved from https://www.strategypage.com/qnd/iraq/articles/20210929.aspx
Thardak, V. (2021). Iraq may be next country to sign the Abraham Accords. Retrieved from https://tfiglobalnews.com/2021/09/26/iraq-may-be-next-country-to-sign-the-abraham-accords/
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