The Missing Piece of Peace: Arab Signatory Countries’ Media Perspectives on the Abraham Accords and Their Role in Resolving the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict Open Access
McGoldrick, Cassidy (Spring 2024)
Abstract
The Abraham Accords represent a historic shift in Middle Eastern diplomacy, marking the first time since 1994 that an Arab state has newly normalized relations with or publicly recognized Israel. The establishment of diplomatic ties with Israel signifies a geopolitical realignment in the region, with Arab countries acknowledging a relationship with Israel as an integral part of a broader strategy for regional stability. However, this recognition has profound implications for the Palestinian cause, as it alters traditional dynamics of pan-Arab support and prompts complex negotiations about the future of Palestinian statehood and Israeli-Palestinian relations. When signing agreements with the State of Israel, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Kingdom of Bahrain, and the Kingdom of Morocco, each included a provision claiming to work toward a just resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. While the Accords have facilitated some progress toward Israeli-Palestinian peace, the lack of substantial peace-building reflects the alternative priorities of the Abraham Accord countries.
This thesis identifies the priorities in advancing the Abraham Accords by analyzing how the media of signatory countries of the Abraham Accords, excluding Sudan, report on their progress. Focusing on the period following the Accords’ signing (September 15, 2020, for the UAE and Bahrain and December 22, 2020, for Morocco) to three months following the outbreak of the Israeli-Hamas war (January 7, 2024), the research examines the extent to which these outlets discuss the progress made in Israeli-Palestinian peace as a result of the Accords. Utilizing qualitative content analysis, the study reviews prominent Arab media from each signatory country, excluding Sudan, to identify dominant themes and narratives. The findings reveal that while some outlets do address the impacts on Israeli-Palestinian relations, there is a notable diversity in the topics covered. These range from diplomatic and economic developments to promoting regional religious and cultural acceptance. This study illustrates how the Abraham Accords are framed in the media of the signatory Arab countries and highlights the varying degrees of emphasis placed on the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. It concludes with an analysis of how these media narratives shape public perception and policy-making in Middle Eastern politics.
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION 1
Why the Abraham Accords? 3
Methodology 11
Limitations 14
Literature Review 16
Structure 19
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES 21
Emirati-Israeli Relations Before the Abraham Accords 21
The National 25
Israeli-Palestinian Peace Process 27
Diplomatic Advancements 33
Economy and Trade 39
Education and Coexistence 41
Tourism 46
Conclusion 49
THE KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN 51
Bahraini-Israeli Relations Before the Abraham Accords 51
Gulf Daily News 54
Israeli-Palestinian Peace Process 56
Diplomatic Advancements 60
Economy and Trade 66
Education and Coexistence 69
Regional Security 74
Conclusion 77
THE KINGDOM OF MOROCCO 79
Moroccan-Israeli Relations Before the Abraham Accords 79
Morocco World News 82
Israeli-Palestinian Peace Process 84
Diplomatic Advancements 90
Economy and Trade 97
Education and Coexistence 100
Regional Security 107
Conclusion 112
CONCLUSION 114
Future Studies 118
WORK CITED 121
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