Experts React: Kazakhstan to Join the Abraham Accords
President Donald Trump announced during a White House meeting with Kazakh President Kassym Jomart-Tokayev and other Central Asian leaders that Kazakhstan will join the Abraham Accords. This diplomatic agreement, brokered by the United States in 2020, aims to normalize relations between Israel and several Muslim-majority countries, bringing Central Asia more into the US diplomatic spotlight.
The announcement was made in Washington, DC, on Thursday at the C5+1 summit, attended by Kazakh President Kassym Jomart-Tokayev and leaders from four other Central Asian states.
Impact on Kazakhstan, Israel, and US Diplomatic Goals
Experts shared their perspectives on how this move might affect regional diplomacy and US foreign policy interests in the Middle East and Central Asia.
Expert Analyses
- Daniel B. Shapiro: This development is not a major breakthrough but carries symbolic importance.
- Sarah Zaaimi: A wider pan-Abrahamic alliance is emerging.
- Andrew D’Anieri: Kazakhstan is seeking to expand its range of international partners.
- Danny Citrinowicz: This move represents a failed attempt to revive the Abraham Accords “brand.”
- Nic Adams: Kazakhstan is taking a strategic opportunity to strengthen ties with the US.
Kazakhstan’s History with Israel
Kazakhstan has maintained diplomatic relations with Israel for over 33 years, making the announcement of joining the Abraham Accords somewhat unexpected. Similar to Morocco, which viewed its own agreement with Israel as a reestablishment of ties from the 1990s, Kazakhstan's move could be seen as a formal alignment with the broader Abraham Accords framework rather than a new beginning.
"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."
Despite the long-standing bilateral relations, joining the Accords symbolizes Kazakhstan's evolving role in regional geopolitics and US-led diplomatic initiatives.
Author’s summary: Kazakhstan's decision to join the Abraham Accords marks a strategic diplomatic shift, enhancing US influence in Central Asia while fostering broader Middle Eastern partnerships.