Anything that reduces tensions in the Middle East and contributes to Israel's security should be applauded. The agreement between the UAE and Israel to establish diplomatic relations in exchange for Israel's suspension of settlements and claims to sovereignty over Judea and Samaria (as Israel refers to the West Bank) is a tremendous policy achievement, though UAE's Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed was less enthusiastic in his description of the deal.

Not since Israel's peace agreement with Jordan in 1994 and going back to the spectacular one between Israel and Egypt, brokered by President Jimmy Carter, with Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin and Egyptian President Anwar Sadat, has there been such a positive development in the region. Credit goes to Benjamin Netanyahu and President Trump, along with Trump son-in-law, Jared Kushner, and U.S. ambassador to Israel, David Friedman, for their roles.

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Readers may email Cal Thomas at tcaeditors@tribpub.com. Look for Cal Thomas’ new book “America’s Expiration Date: The Fall of Empires and Superpowers and the Future of the United States” (HarperCollins/Zondervan).

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