Gulf could be ‘most powerful economic region in the world’

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Leading American rabbi Marc Schneier noted that the Gulf could develop into “the most powerful economic region in the world” with cooperation between Israel and all six GCC nations. “It’s a different region today,” explained. “You have this wonderful cooperation now between the Gulf nations and Israel.

“So it all comes back to Muslim-Jewish relations. There are no two faith communities that have more in common than Muslims and Jews.” Schneier said that such economic opportunities should be one of the main driving factors in the establishment of peace between the Israelis and Palestinians, as well as in the reconciliation between Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar.

“I believe in the two-state solution, but more importantly I believe in an economic solution,” Schneier said. “I was here 18 months ago, I participated in the conference ‘Peace to Prosperity’ that was hosted here, and I believe that the US administration along with several Gulf leaders is spot on in focusing on bringing economic opportunities, incentives and advancements to the Palestinian people.

“Let’s say you work out the two-state solution, with the Palestinians having their own state, “So I do believe that it is a very important element that must be added to the equation, and that’s the economic empowerment and the economic advancement for the Palestinian people.”

On the current GCC situation, he said: “The conflict between Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Bahrain with Qatar has to come to an end. “I am involved in the FIFA World Cup 2022, Doha cannot accommodate all the people that are coming to the World Cup."

Addressing the plight of Palestinians

Schneier stressed that Palestinian people would be essential in helping put an end to their rift with Israel. “I was at the signing of the Abraham Accords at the White House, and if you listen carefully to the remarks of the Bahraini Foreign Minister, he made it very clear how important it is to HM, to the Kingdom, and to all countries here in the region that we need to address the plight of the Palestinian people,” he recalled.

“We need to find a way to bring about the two-state solution, to bring economic opportunities and incentives to the Palestinians as well. “I think one of the challenges Israel has is it needs a real partner on the Palestinian side. That is just a matter of time. I don’t know if today’s current Palestinian leadership is capable of making a deal with Israeli leadership. You need to have a leadership that is more committed, not only in terms of bringing about a resolution but also has the support of its own people. “With the current Palestinian leadership, it is very questionable as to how supportive the people are of their own leadership.”

Schneier added that the situation must be tackled at its very foundations, which lies with the peoples’ beliefs, thus calling for a greater understanding between Muslims and Jews. “First and foremost there needs to be that understanding; you cannot move forward unless you trust the other, unless you understand the other,” he said. “I think that is the underlying foundation to all of this.”

Biden will advance peace

Schneier expressed his optimism that US president-elect Joe Biden will help further advance the peace process in the Middle East during his term. “I’m very excited about President Biden being elected,” he said. “No one is negating what Donald Trump did for Israel in terms of moving the embassy and helping orchestrate the Abraham Accords, and yet 80 per cent of American Jews voted for Biden.

“As an American Jew, in addition to Israel, we also have other values and other concerns that we believe Joe Biden will address. “I feel, ironically, President Biden is the ideal president to move the Gulf-Israel relationship forward. Because, unlike Donald Trump, Joe Biden is also committed to the Palestinian people. That is more in line with the Bahrain, UAE, Saudi and Qatar positions. Biden is a great champion of Israel; he has always been a tremendous supporter. At the same time, he recognises the need to address the plight of the Palestinian people. That orientation is more in line with the Gulf.”

“Sons of Abraham”

Earlier this week, Schneier launched a book in Dubai entitled “Sons of Abraham”, which discusses the contentious theological and political issues that frequently divide Muslims and Jews, among other things. He said that the book is to be translated into Arabic in the UAE and distributed across the Gulf.

He added that some of its content will also be incorporated into the school curriculum to teach students about Muslim-Jewish relations, with the aim of strengthening these ties and fostering understanding of the principles of tolerance and coexistence.

Picture caption: The Daily Tribune Chairman and Managing Director P Unnikrishnan, right, speaking with Schneier