Washington Summit Marks Board’s First Major Test
The Board of Peace, which Donald Trump supports, will hold its first summit in Washington on February 19. The meeting is the group’s first big step since it was launched at the World Economic Forum in Davos last month. Officials say that the meeting is both a way to raise money and a way to talk about diplomacy.
The summit, which is being held at the United States Institute of Peace, aims to set operational priorities and get people to promise to give money. The specific details of the agenda are still being worked out, which means that the initiative is still changing its structure. People who are watching the event see it as a very important test of credibility.
Source: The New York Times/Website
Organization Expands Beyond Gaza Reconstruction Mission
The Board of Peace was first created to oversee rebuilding efforts after the war in Gaza, which was part of Trump’s peace plan. But its job has grown to include dealing with conflicts around the world, which greatly increases its geopolitical reach. Supporters say that this kind of flexibility makes things more relevant in a security landscape that is changing quickly.
Some people say that the expansion could lead to the UN taking on roles that it has always had. There are still questions about how to govern, hold people accountable, and work with current diplomatic frameworks. These questions have led to a lot of discussion among policymakers.
Morocco Becomes First African Member State
During a signing ceremony in Davos in January, Morocco became the 1st African and Arab country to officially join the initiative. Nasser Bourita, the foreign minister, spoke for the kingdom, showing that Rabat wants to strengthen its strategic ties with Washington. Analysts see the move as part of Morocco’s larger effort to change its diplomatic stance.
Participation fits with Morocco’s growing reputation as a peacekeeper in the Middle East. The country talks to both Israeli and Palestinian leaders and supports a 2-state solution. This positioning makes it look better on the world stage.
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Strategic Benefits Linked To Longstanding Alliances
Morocco’s choice is based on a carefully thought-out plan that was partly shaped by the Abraham Accords and growing ties with the US. Normalizing diplomatic relations with Israel in 2020 helped Morocco get recognition of its sovereignty over Western Sahara. That recognition strengthened 1 of the oldest relationships between the US and another country.
Morocco was the 1st country to recognize the United States as an independent country in 1777. This is where the historical ties began. This legacy continues to affect how people think about policy today. Strategic alignment often leads to real geopolitical benefits.
Membership Requirements Show High Funding Goals
About 24 countries, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, Turkiye, and Argentina, are now on the board. Kazakhstan and Indonesia are 2 Central Asian and Southeast Asian countries that make the group even more geographically diverse. It is said that to become a permanent member, you have to give $1 billion in the 1st year.
The high financial threshold shows that there are plans to quickly gather resources for stabilization efforts. But it might also mean that only wealthier governments that can make big commitments can take part. The way money is given out is still a major point of interest.
European Skepticism Shows Diplomatic Differences
Some European allies, like France, Norway, and Sweden, have said they don’t want to be involved because they don’t like how the board is set up. Their hesitation shows that they aren’t sure how the organization would work with existing multilateral institutions. Differing opinions show that Western diplomacy is starting to break down.
People who watch say that perceived bias among the people involved could also make it harder to mediate conflicts. Some analysts have been especially critical of the fact that Benjamin Netanyahu is included. Questions about representation are still not answered.
The Gaza Conflict Gets in the Way of Diplomatic Goals
The summit is taking place in Gaza, where the ceasefire is still shaky. Reports say that more than 550 Palestinians have died since October. Netanyahu is set to meet with Trump the day before the meeting. They are expected to talk about security issues related to Iran. These events that happen at the same time raise the stakes in geopolitics.
Viktor Orbán, the Prime Minister of Hungary, has confirmed that he will be there. He is the 1st European leader to publicly say that he will be there. As the board comes under more and more scrutiny, it’s still unclear if they can make measurable progress. It might only be able to succeed if it finds a way to balance ambition with legitimacy.
