Summary of "Montecristos with Bibi (and Peace in the Middle East)" – The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson

Release Date: September 22, 2020

Introduction

In the episode titled "Montecristos with Bibi (and Peace in the Middle East)," host Ben Ferguson delves into the historic Abraham Accords, a landmark peace agreement in the Middle East. The discussion primarily centers around the normalization of relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Bahrain, marking the first such agreements in 26 years. The episode features an in-depth conversation with Senator Ted Cruz, who provides his insights and firsthand experiences related to the Accords.

Historic Peace in the Middle East

Senator Ted Cruz opens the discussion by highlighting the significance of the Abraham Accords:

• Key Points:

  • First Normalization in 26 Years: The UAE and Bahrain's normalization with Israel breaks a 26-year hiatus, with the last agreement occurring in 1994 with Jordan.
  • Symbolic Moment: The Accords were signed on the White House's South Lawn, symbolizing strong U.S. support.
  • Implications for Regional Stability: Cruz emphasizes that such agreements diffuse longstanding tensions, potentially leading to broader regional and global peace.

• Notable Quote:

  • "This is the first time an Arab country has normalized relations with Israel in 26 years." [02:42]

U.S. Role in Middle East Peace

The conversation shifts to the United States' longstanding involvement in brokering peace in the Middle East:

• Key Points:

  • Historical Context: Attempts at peace date back to at least the Carter administration, with significant efforts like the Camp David Accords in 1978.
  • Unique Relationship with Israel: Israel's establishment post-World War II and the Holocaust underscores its strategic and moral significance to the U.S.
  • Critique of Previous Administrations: Cruz criticizes prior administrations, including Obama and Biden, for their approach to the Iran nuclear deal and lack of decisive action towards peace.

• Notable Quote:

  • "Israel is the world's only Jewish nation... to ensure that never again would something like the Holocaust happen." [03:55]

Trump Administration's Foreign Policy Shift

Senator Cruz contrasts the Trump administration's foreign policy with its predecessors, focusing on two pivotal decisions:

1. Relocation of the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem:

   • Controversial Move: Previously, the embassy was in Tel Aviv to accommodate Palestinian claims to Jerusalem.
   • Strategic Decision: Cruz advocates that moving the embassy signals unwavering U.S. support for Israel, despite opposition from the State and Defense Departments.
   • Impact on Relations: The move was intended to strengthen ties with Arab allies and demonstrate a clear stance against Iran's nuclear ambitions.

2. Withdrawal from the Iran Nuclear Deal:

   • Opposition Within Administration: Both Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis opposed the withdrawal.
   • Cruz's Advocacy: He argued that the deal was flawed and that the U.S. needed to take a firmer stance against Iran’s nuclear aspirations.

• Notable Quotes:
  • "If we move the embassy, it will be seen by both our friends and our enemies as a statement that the United States stands unapologetically in foursquare with Israel." [09:56]
  • "The Obama Iran deal was neither... Once again, Trump agreed with me and overruled his own State and Defense Department." [12:50]

Challenges and Opposition

Cruz discusses the debates and opposition faced within the Trump administration regarding these foreign policy decisions:

• State vs. Administration: While state apparatus like the State and Defense Departments were hesitant, Cruz actively lobbied President Trump to override their positions.

• Public Perception: The mainstream media and Democrats downplayed the significance of the Abraham Accords, arguing that normalization wasn't crucial since there wasn't active warfare between the states involved.

• Notable Quote:

  • "Democrats are scrambling because President Trump helping broker a peace deal in the Middle East really counteracts their narrative as him as the embodiment of everything that is terrible in the world." [05:26]

Personal Experiences and Anecdotes

Senator Cruz shares personal anecdotes to illustrate the depth of his involvement and the importance of the Abraham Accords:

• Meeting with Netanyahu:

  • Historic Encounter: Cruz recounts a pivotal meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu, where they shared Montecristo cigars and discussed geopolitics.
  • Symbolism of the Meeting: This interaction symbolizes the strong and supportive relationship between the U.S. and Israel.

• Notable Quote:

  • "We sat there smoking Monte Cristo cigars... what in the hell am I doing here? Like, it was surreal." [24:08]

Implications for the Future

Cruz outlines the broader implications of the Abraham Accords for Middle Eastern geopolitics:

• Strengthening Alliances: The normalization paves the way for other Arab nations, like Saudi Arabia, to potentially join the agreement.

• Containment of Iran: By uniting Arab allies, the U.S. position against Iran's nuclear ambitions is significantly bolstered.

• Peace Through Strength: Emphasizing a foreign policy based on clear support and military strength, Cruz argues that this approach is essential for lasting peace.

• Notable Quote:

  • "The qualitative military advantage they have is part of what produces peace in the Middle East." [27:04]

Conclusion

The episode underscores the Abraham Accords as a transformative moment in Middle Eastern diplomacy, facilitated by a decisive shift in U.S. foreign policy under the Trump administration. Senator Ted Cruz advocates for continued strength and clarity in international relations, positing that such an approach fosters enduring peace and stability both regionally and globally.

Key Takeaways:

• The Abraham Accords mark a significant step towards peace in the Middle East after over two decades.
• The Trump administration's bold foreign policy decisions, particularly moving the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem and withdrawing from the Iran nuclear deal, were pivotal in achieving these accords.
• The shift from appeasement to a strategy of strength and clarity has potential long-term benefits for regional stability and U.S. interests.
• Personal diplomacy and strong alliances are essential components in fostering peace and countering threats like Iran's nuclear ambitions.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

1. "This is the first time an Arab country has normalized relations with Israel in 26 years." [02:42]
2. "Israel is the world's only Jewish nation... to ensure that never again would something like the Holocaust happen." [03:55]
3. "If we move the embassy, it will be seen by both our friends and our enemies as a statement that the United States stands unapologetically in foursquare with Israel." [09:56]
4. "The Obama Iran deal was neither... Once again, Trump agreed with me and overruled his own State and Defense Department." [12:50]
5. "We sat there smoking Monte Cristo cigars... what in the hell am I doing here? Like, it was surreal." [24:08]
6. "The qualitative military advantage they have is part of what produces peace in the Middle East." [27:04]

By providing a comprehensive overview of the Abraham Accords and the strategic shifts in U.S. foreign policy, this episode offers valuable insights into the evolving dynamics of Middle Eastern geopolitics and America's role in fostering peace.