U.S. Partners with Gulf Autocrats for Gaza Control
Senator Lindsey Graham has declared the two-state solution, which envisioned independent Palestinian and Israeli states, officially dead. This declaration stems from the ongoing conflict, with Graham pointing to Israel’s expansion and recent military aggression as reasons. He emphasized that the October 7 Hamas attack has buried any hope for reviving talks about Palestinian statehood. “The two-state solution—an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel—has been dead ever since the cross-border assault by Hamas,” Graham remarked. With no viable two-state solution, the U.S. now seeks alternative methods to manage the crisis, pushing dangerous and ineffective ideas.
A Flawed Partnership with Gulf Autocrats
Senator Lindsey Graham’s plan for Gaza involves the United States working closely with authoritarian regimes, specifically Saudi Arabia and the UAE. This collaboration places Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in key roles for rebuilding Gaza. Graham described this arrangement as a potential partnership, stating, “MBS and MBZ will come in and rebuild Gaza, they will reform the PA, they will create an enclave in Palestine that can live in peace and harmony with Israel.” These Gulf leaders, notorious for their repression, have shown little genuine interest in the Palestinian cause. By involving these regimes, the U.S. aims to enforce control over Gaza without addressing Palestinian grievances.
The “Independent, Sovereign” Emirate: An Illusion of Freedom
The proposed “independent, sovereign state” of Palestine under Graham’s plan is misleading and deceptive. The state would exist as an “emirate” controlled by outside powers, robbing Palestinians of genuine sovereignty. “There will be an independent, sovereign state called Palestine with security guarantees for Israel, but it will be more like an emirate than it will be a democracy,” Graham confirmed. This thinly veiled sovereignty is a ploy to keep Israel’s dominance intact while pretending to offer Palestinians control. The reality is that Palestinians would remain under the influence of foreign powers, with little to no ability to determine their future.
America’s Misguided Trust in Gulf Monarchies
The United States’ alliance with Saudi Arabia and the UAE for managing Gaza’s future reflects a deeply flawed strategy. These regimes, known for their oppressive governance and lack of regard for human rights, cannot be trusted to act in Palestinian interests. “The Gulf, they don’t care about Palestine. The people might, but the leadership—they gave up long ago,” noted one commentator, capturing the lack of genuine commitment from these leaders. Their involvement is not about humanitarian goals; it centers on gaining favor with the United States and solidifying their regional power. This strategy reflects the U.S.’s ongoing failure to promote real solutions for Palestinian sovereignty.
The Consequences of Imposed Rule: A Recipe for Insurgency
Foreign-imposed governance in Gaza under Saudi and Emirati control is bound to lead to resistance and insurgency. Palestinians have historically resisted foreign control, and this plan will likely fuel greater unrest in the region. By involving disconnected foreign powers, the U.S. risks creating a new wave of resistance, mirroring past failures in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The Long-Term Failure of the “Day After” Plan
The “day after” plan, backed by Senator Lindsey Graham, is designed to maintain control over Gaza without addressing the real issues. Graham himself acknowledges the risks involved, stating, “If you don’t have a plan for the day after, Hamas will come back… Hezbollah will regenerate.” The illusion of peace created by this plan only serves to protect Israel’s interests, while leaving Palestinians under continued occupation and control. The result is likely to be continued violence and instability, rather than any meaningful path to peace.
The Dangerous Illusion of Peace
The so-called “day after” plan represents nothing more than an illusion of peace, designed to preserve Israeli control and foreign influence over Gaza. The United States, by allying with oppressive Gulf monarchies, is attempting to impose a governance model that disregards Palestinian rights and sovereignty. This strategy risks entrenching the same power dynamics that have fueled decades of conflict and instability in the region. Palestinians will continue to resist any governance that strips them of their autonomy, and this plan, like others before it, is doomed to failure.
