The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast 279. Middle East: Peace Beckons | David Friedman
Aug 16, 2022
David Friedman, the former U.S. Ambassador to Israel, shares his pivotal role in the Abraham Accords that reshaped Middle Eastern diplomacy. He discusses the historical context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and critiques traditional views on peace prerequisites. Highlighting the significance of trust and relationship-building, Friedman reveals strategies used to navigate resistance during negotiations. He also addresses the positive effects of the U.S. embassy move to Jerusalem and the role of key figures in these groundbreaking agreements. His insights bring a fresh perspective on regional stability.
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Trump's First Mideast Trip
- Trump's first foreign trip as president involved visits to Riyadh, Tel Aviv, and the Vatican.
- These visits, including a direct flight from Riyadh to Tel Aviv and a visit to the Western Wall, were significant in laying the groundwork for the Abraham Accords.
Palestinian Power Play
- The State Department's assumption that peace required Palestinian involvement gave the Palestinians undue power.
- By bypassing them, the Abraham Accords negotiators neutralized this power, enabling progress.
Abbas's True Colors
- Friedman showed Netanyahu a video of Abbas's inflammatory remarks to demonstrate he wasn't a peacemaker.
- This revelation shocked Trump and changed his approach to negotiations with Abbas.
