The Abraham Accords and Pakistan: Shifting alliances in a Changing Middle East

Author(s) : Syed Sharjeel Ahmad

Abstract:

The Abraham Accords signed in 2020 between Israel, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Bahrain—with subsequent participation by Sudan and Morocco—have marked a significant transformation in the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East. These normalization agreements signal a departure from the long-standing Arab consensus on conditioning ties with Israel on the resolution of the Palestinian issue. This paper explores the implications of these developments for Pakistan, a country with a historically strong position on Palestine and no formal diplomatic relations with Israel. The Abraham Accords have created a strategic realignment in the region, drawing key Gulf states closer to Israel and the United States, thereby shifting the regional power dynamics and potentially isolating countries like Pakistan that remain outside this framework. Pakistan faces a delicate balancing act: maintaining its traditional support for the Palestinian cause while navigating its economic and strategic ties with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states. Additionally, growing Indo-Israeli cooperation, especially in defense and intelligence, adds further complexity to Pakistan's regional calculations. This paper argues that while Pakistan is unlikely to normalize relations with Israel in the near future due to domestic political considerations and ideological commitments, it cannot ignore the shifting regional alliances and must recalibrate its foreign policy to safeguard its strategic interests. The Abraham Accords, therefore, not only challenge the existing regional order but also present Pakistan with new diplomatic dilemmas in an increasingly multipolar Middle East.