Kazakhstan to Join the Abraham Accords
President Donald Trump announced that Kazakhstan will join the Abraham Accords, a diplomatic agreement brokered by the United States in 2020 to normalize relations between Israel and several Muslim-majority countries. This announcement was made during a White House meeting with Kazakh President Kassym Jomart-Tokayev and other Central Asian leaders at the C5+1 summit in Washington, DC.
This development places Central Asia at the heart of US diplomatic efforts, enhancing cooperation in the region and broadening the scope of the Abraham Accords beyond the Middle East.
Expert Perspectives on the New Accord
- Daniel B. Shapiro: This is not a major breakthrough but carries symbolic significance.
- Sarah Zaaimi: A wider pan-Abrahamic alliance is emerging.
- Andrew D’Anieri: Kazakhstan seeks to expand its partnerships.
- Danny Citrinowicz: An unsuccessful attempt to revive the Abraham Accords brand.
- Nic Adams: Kazakhstan is leveraging the opportunity to strengthen ties with the US.
Historical Context
Kazakhstan and Israel have maintained diplomatic relations for thirty-three years. The announcement that Kazakhstan is joining the Abraham Accords echoes Morocco's earlier move, which was seen more as a reopening of existing ties from the 1990s rather than a new alliance directly linked to the Abraham Accords.
"Kazakhstan has had diplomatic relations with Israel for thirty-three years, so the announcement that it is joining the Abraham Accords has a strange ring to it."
What This Means for US Diplomacy
Expanding the Abraham Accords to Central Asia signals a strategic shift in US foreign policy, aiming to strengthen partnerships in a region critical to both Middle Eastern and Eurasian stability. It represents a step toward a broader coalition of nations cooperating on economic, security, and diplomatic issues under US guidance.
Author's summary: Kazakhstan joining the Abraham Accords expands US diplomatic influence into Central Asia, symbolizing a strategic effort to build a larger coalition beyond the Middle East.