Trump arrives in Riyadh hoping to push Israel-Saudi normalization. The kingdom tells him to keep it off the agenda. The media calls it “diplomatic caution.” It looks more like cowardice.
Saudi Arabia refuses to discuss joining the Abraham Accords during Trump’s visit. Media sighs with relief. But citizens must ask: if not now, when? If not with Israel strong, then never.
The Background
On 2 May 2025, reports confirmed that Saudi Arabia instructed U.S. officials not to raise Israel normalization during Donald Trump’s planned visit. Sources said Riyadh “made clear” the topic should be avoided, despite years of speculation that the kingdom was preparing to join the Abraham Accords. (Middle East Eye “Saudi Arabia told US to keep Israel normalisation off agenda for Trump’s visit”)
The Abraham Accords already binding Israel with the UAE, Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan have reshaped trade and diplomacy in the region. Saudi’s refusal isn’t just diplomatic hedging. It’s a sign of weakness, signalling fear of Iran’s proxies and of backlash from Islamist currents inside its borders.
Western media frame it as “prudence.” But prudence is the enemy of progress. Without courage, Riyadh risks watching history move on without it.
Keep Normalisation Off-Limits
This morning’s revelations from Riyadh should alarm anyone who believes in the future of the Abraham Accords. Saudi Arabia, the crown jewel of potential partners, told Trump’s team to keep normalisation with Israel off the agenda. (Middle East Eye)
For years, we have heard whispers that Saudi Arabia was preparing to step forward. We’ve seen trade corridors align, air routes quietly open, security coordination deepen. The stage seemed set. And yet, when presented with the moment, Riyadh balked.
Why? Fear. Fear of Tehran’s shadow. Fear of clerics inside the kingdom who still cling to Islamist rejectionism. Fear of protests in Cairo or Amman or Gaza. And fear, above all, of the Western press, who would crucify Saudi leaders for daring to embrace peace through strength.
The Mainstream Media View
The BBC praised the kingdom’s decision as “pragmatic restraint.” The Guardian called it “wise caution.” CNN framed it as “avoiding provocation.” Not one admitted the obvious: this was weakness dressed as strategy.
BBC (2 May 2025):
“Analysts say Saudi restraint is pragmatic.” Pragmatic? The Accords deliver billions in trade. Restraint means forfeiting prosperity.
Source: BBC News, 2 May 2025
Meanwhile, the facts of the Accords are undeniable. Trade between Israel and its partners now exceeds $3 billion annually, compared to just $25 million in 2019. (NoLabels) Flights, tourism, security partnerships real benefits for real people. The UAE and Bahrain have reaped the rewards of courage. Morocco has strengthened its hand in Western Sahara negotiations. Sudan, despite turmoil, saw its international legitimacy improve.
Saudi Arabia could transform the entire region by joining. A Saudi-Israeli pact would rewrite the Middle East map, crush Iran’s axis, and deliver prosperity across the Gulf.
But instead of leading, Riyadh ducked. And the Western media clapped politely, because they too prefer delay and dithering to decisive action. This is the pattern: every time strength beckons, elites preach patience. Every time weakness wins, they call it wisdom.
History doesn’t wait. The Abraham Accords have momentum. But the window will not stay open forever. Saudi Arabia must choose.
Guardian (2 May 2025):
“The kingdom shows wisdom in avoiding provocation.” Wisdom? Peace through trade is not provocation. It is progress.
Source: The Guardian, 2 May 2025
The Merlow View
There are two narrow hopes. First the unlikely one is that Saudi’s silence masks preparation. That behind the scenes, the kingdom is laying groundwork for a grand entry into the Abraham Accords, timing the reveal to maximum effect. If so, the delay will be forgotten.
Second the rational hope is that the public, both in the region and abroad, demand it. That ordinary citizens see the benefits of peace through strength, reject the stale dogmas of rejection, and pressure leaders to act.
But if Saudi Arabia remains paralysed by fear, it will miss history’s invitation. The Abraham Accords are not just diplomatic deals they are proof that enemies can become partners, that strength brings peace. If Riyadh refuses, the region moves on without it. The world will not wait. Neither should we.
“Reject cowardice dressed as wisdom. Demand courage. Demand alliances that deliver prosperity and peace.”
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