Peace is powerful, it is our only chance

Faith in peace, and trust in the other has made the Abraham Accord possible between the UAE, Israel and the United States

Peace is power; peace offers redemption; peace opens new opportunities and galvanises people and nations into action.
Peace in fact is humanity's best weapon against a state of perpetual conflict - the so-called war economy that has destroyed millions of lives and has brought civilisation to its knees over decades in the Middle East. It is often said that it is harder to make peace than to wage war. Now that a warm peace is emerging in the region even as the cold hand of coronavirus pandemic takes hold, there is a reason to look towards the future with confidence and in the spirit of cooperative action.
On Tuesday, four countries took a leap of faith to cement their ties for peace. Indeed, it is a test of faith that they have passed, and they are to be commended for showing rare courage to get this far. The naysayers have been silenced and those seeking war and violence find themselves on the wrong side of history.
Faith in peace, and trust in the other has made the Abraham Accord possible between the UAE, Israel, and the United States. With Bahrain, the troika has grown into the Fab Four and is giving new dynamism and new meaning to this virtue in the region that has become tired of war. Arab youth are weary of decades of conflict and repression. They are seeking hope from the destruction and despair that surrounds them.
This peace is built on the finest of Abrahamic traditions - there is a sense of unity and purpose, and it rises above the ordinary while stunting the status quo.
The UAE has emerged as the Middle East's leader for peace as it strives to move past the civilisational angst that divides people and tramples upon their aspirations for a better future. Which other country can boast of more than 200 nationalities living in harmony? Tolerance and respect of individual rights have made this country a beacon of soft power.
For the UAE, this is about peace on its terms while breaking out of what has been a conservative and traditional approach. It has become the protagonist, the lead actor who carries the weight of the script on its strong shoulders. Israel on the other hand has emerged from decades of isolation in the Middle East and has the chance to become part of the main cast. It has moved centrestage from decades in the shadows.
The United States that is often been cast as a villain in the region by various parties now bags the supporting actor's honours. And Bahrain, the latest to join, is all set to grow into the role as an influential player.
The US expects new members to be added to this cast, which will make the script for peace stronger. Let's hope this is the beginning of a long and lasting relationship. -allan@khaleejtimes.com