The Abraham Accords: An American Trap for the Middle East, Caucasus, and Central Asia

Kokcha News Agency: The Abraham Accords, a U.S.-backed initiative to normalize relations between Israel and several Arab and Muslim-majority countries, is now expanding its reach to the Caucasus and Central Asia. While the accords have been hailed as a diplomatic breakthrough, critics argue that they are part of a broader American strategy to consolidate influence in these regions, potentially at the expense of regional stability.

The accords, first signed during the Trump administration, initially brought together Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan. Now, the U.S. is looking to include Azerbaijan and Armenia, two post-Soviet republics in the South Caucasus, as well as Central Asian nations like Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan.

Steve Witkopf, the U.S. Special Envoy for the Middle East, has been actively promoting the accords, emphasizing the potential for economic cooperation and regional stability. However, the broader implications of this expansion are raising concerns. Azerbaijan, a long-time ally of Israel, is seen as a key player in this new geopolitical landscape.

One of the most contentious issues is the proposed leasing of the Zangezur Corridor, a strategic transport route between Azerbaijan and its exclave, Nakhchivan, which would pass through Armenian territory. U.S. Ambassador to Turkey, Tom Barak, has suggested that an American company could lease the corridor for 100 years, a move that has sparked fears of losing sovereignty in Armenia.

Azerbaijan, under President Ilham Aliyev, has been eager to align itself with the U.S. and Israel, seeking to reduce its dependence on Russia. However, this shift has not been without challenges. Turkey, a key ally of Azerbaijan, has expressed discomfort with Baku’s growing ties with Israel, particularly given Ankara’s strained relations with Tel Aviv.

Iran, too, has voiced concerns over the Abraham Accords, viewing them as a threat to its regional influence. The recent war in Nagorno-Karabakh, where rumors of Israeli airstrikes using Azerbaijani airspace circulated, has only heightened tensions. Despite assurances from Aliyev to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, the situation remains volatile.

The inclusion of countries like Lebanon and Syria in the accords seems unlikely, given their longstanding hostility toward Israel. Yet, Witkopf continues to push for broader regional cooperation, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

Critics argue that the Abraham Accords are less about fostering peace and more about advancing U.S. interests in the region. By creating a pro-Western bloc, the U.S. aims to counterbalance Russian and Iranian influence. However, this strategy could lead to increased instability, particularly in the Caucasus and Central Asia, where historical rivalries and ethnic tensions remain unresolved.

As the U.S. pushes forward with its ambitious agenda, the long-term consequences of the Abraham Accords remain uncertain. While the accords may bring short-term economic benefits, the potential for geopolitical fallout cannot be ignored.