The Official Photo Hides the Full Story: The New Middle East Is Already Taking Shape
For the first time since the 1994 peace treaty, Israel and Jordan are daring to forge mutual strategic dependence. Israel will supply Jordan with 25 percent of its water needs, while 8 percent of Israel’s renewable energy will originate in Jordan. The economic peace renders the political peace essential
The official photograph conceals the full story. Taken at the November 22 ceremony in which Israel and Jordan signed an agreement to exchange desalinated water and renewable energy, the photograph shows Jordanian Water and Irrigation Minister Mohammed Al-Najjar, the United Arab Emirates’ minister for climate change and environment Mariam Almheiri, and Israel’s minister for national infrastructure, energy and water Karine Elharrar. They are seen just before they signed the agreement in a gleaming space at the Dubai Expo. Looking on in the background are U.S. climate envoy John Kerry and UAE Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Zayed.
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