Informed American sources expected, on Friday, that President-elect Donald Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, would be absent from the formation of the new administration, but he may provide advice on the Middle East, according to the Financial Times.
Kushner was a senior advisor to Trump during his last term, and played a major role in negotiating the Abraham Accords, which established diplomatic relations between Israel and many Arab countries.
Kushner maintained close relationships with senior officials in the Middle East, but according to sources, two people are under consideration to take Kushner’s position: former National Security Council official Victoria Coats, and Miguel Correa, a retired major general who worked with Kushner and was an American defense attaché.
Kushner played a role in developing Trump’s Middle East peace plan, which attempted to resolve the decades-long conflict, but was criticized for supporting Israeli demands while failing to meet Palestinian aspirations for an independent state.
Trump’s transition team was looking to bring in a senior national security official to work on Middle East issues with Kushner’s help.
He also compiled shortlists for top national security positions in the next administration. Possible candidates for Secretary of State or National Security Advisor include Richard Grenell, Trump’s former ambassador to Germany, and Senator Bill Hagerty, former ambassador to Japan and former national security advisor. Robert O’Brien is also a possible candidate.
Kushner and his wife, Trump’s daughter, Ivanka, are central figures in the former president’s administration and have lived in Miami since leaving office.
In 2021, Kushner established the $3 billion Affinity Partners investment fund, which is almost entirely funded by outside investors.
The Senate Finance Committee was investigating the company and the fees it charges foreign clients, while Democratic Senator Ron Wyden raised concerns that Kushner’s fundraising and real estate deals “give foreign governments influence over the Trump family.”
Kushner denied accusations of a conflict of interest, saying his company “complies with all relevant regulations.”
Last updated: November 8, 2024 – 19:57
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Interview: Navigating the Middle East Landscape Post-Trump – A Conversation with Dr. Sarah Kaplan, Middle East Policy Expert
Time.news Editor: Good afternoon, Dr. Kaplan. Thank you for joining us today. With the recent speculation surrounding Jared Kushner’s role in the new administration, I’d like to dive into what this means for U.S.-Middle East relations. To start, can you provide some context on Kushner’s influence during Trump’s presidency?
Dr. Sarah Kaplan: Good afternoon, and thank you for having me. Jared Kushner played a pivotal role in shaping U.S. policy in the Middle East during his tenure as a senior advisor. His involvement in crafting the Abraham Accords, which established diplomatic relations between Israel and several Arab states, was significant. It demonstrated a shift in regional dynamics, moving towards normalization where it previously seemed impossible.
Editor: Absolutely. The Abraham Accords were a noteworthy achievement, but they were also met with criticism, particularly regarding the Palestinian perspective. Can you elaborate on the criticisms of Kushner’s approach to the peace plan?
Dr. Kaplan: Certainly. Many analysts criticized Kushner’s peace plan for its perceived imbalance - it primarily supported Israeli demands while not sufficiently addressing Palestinian aspirations for statehood and sovereignty. Critics argued that without a balanced approach that acknowledges both sides’ needs, a lasting peace would be elusive. This has been a long-standing challenge, as the Palestinian voice has often been sidelined in U.S. negotiations.
Editor: With Kushner reportedly taking a step back in the new administration, who do you think could fill his shoes effectively? The names of Victoria Coats and Miguel Correa have surfaced as possibilities.
Dr. Kaplan: Both Coats and Correa bring unique experiences to the table. Victoria Coats has a strong background in national security and has worked closely with various administrations. Miguel Correa’s experience as a retired major general and defense attaché could offer a more strategic military perspective on Middle East conflicts. Ultimately, the choice will reflect the future administration’s priorities regarding diplomacy, security, and peace processes in the region.
Editor: Speaking of future priorities, what challenges do you foresee for the new administration in its Middle East policy?
Dr. Kaplan: The administration will face several challenges, including ongoing tensions between Israel and Palestine, the Iranian influence in the region, and managing relationships with Gulf States. Re-establishing trust and diplomatic channels will take considerable effort. Additionally, shifting geopolitical alliances influenced by recent events, like the Ukraine conflict, might complicate traditional U.S. standing in the Middle East.
Editor: Indeed, those are pressing concerns. How important will it be for the new administration to build on the groundwork laid by the previous one?
Dr. Kaplan: Building on the groundwork is crucial, but it will need to be done with a new balance. While the Abraham Accords were important, any new strategies must also include a credible approach to Palestinian statehood if we have any hope of achieving lasting peace. The new administration has the opportunity to act decisively and inclusively, which will be critical for its legacy in the region.
Editor: Thank you for your insights, Dr. Kaplan. As the geopolitical landscape continues to evolve, it’s clear that the direction taken by the new administration will have long-lasting implications.
Dr. Kaplan: Thank you for having me. It’s always a pleasure to discuss such critical issues, and I look forward to seeing how the new administration navigates these complex challenges.