When Donald Trump convenes the inaugural meeting of his self-proclaimed "Board of Peace" this week, the world will be watching closely - and with a fair degree of skepticism. The former president’s ambitious plan to reshape global conflict resolution has drawn widespread criticism, with even some of America’s closest allies keeping the initiative at arm’s length.
What this really means is that Trump’s vision for the board, which he says will "go far beyond Gaza," faces an uphill battle to gain credibility and support on the international stage. The board’s primary focus is to oversee the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip and enforce a fragile ceasefire agreement, but its broader remit to “challenge the United Nations Security Council’s role in solving conflicts” has raised eyebrows around the world.
Who’s In, Who’s Out?
The inaugural meeting in Washington will bring together representatives from over a dozen countries, including some key regional players like Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Israel. However, several of America’s traditional allies, such as France, Norway, and Sweden, have so far declined to participate, according to Al Jazeera. The inclusion of controversial figures like Benjamin Netanyahu and Vladimir Putin has also drawn heavy criticism.
The bigger picture here is that Trump’s effort to sideline the United Nations and create his own international body is viewed by many as a worrying power grab that could undermine decades of multilateral diplomacy. As the Associated Press reports, "Palestinians, including many civilians, are still being killed in near-daily strikes" in Gaza, and there has been limited progress in achieving the ceasefire’s aims so far.
Ambitious Agenda, Uncertain Future
Trump has teased "big announcements" for the inaugural Board of Peace meeting, including billions in funding for Gaza’s reconstruction and the deployment of an international stabilization force. CNN reports that the former president sees the board as a way to "go far beyond Gaza" and potentially challenge the UN’s role in global conflict resolution.
However, the board’s ability to actually deliver results on the ground remains highly uncertain. As The National reports, there are already tensions over the board’s security role and membership, with Palestinian representatives notably absent from the table. Ultimately, Trump’s divisive initiative faces an uphill battle to prove its worth on the global stage.