Objectives of the Camp David Accord. Did the US improve its relationship with the Arab World?
Yes.
http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/camp-david-accords-signed
The objectives of the Camp David Accords were to establish a framework for a peace treaty between Egypt and Israel, resolve their ongoing conflicts, and achieve peace and stability in the Middle East. This historic agreement was signed in 1978 between Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin, with the mediation of US President Jimmy Carter.
To determine if the US improved its relationship with the Arab world as a result of the Camp David Accords, we need to consider the context and long-term effects of the agreement.
1. Context:
At the time of the negotiations, the relationship between the US and the Arab world was contentious due to America's support for Israel, which was seen as favoritism toward Israel's policies in the region. This support had strained relations between the US and Arab countries, especially Egypt, which was a key Arab player.
2. Immediate Effects:
The Camp David Accords itself did not directly improve the US relationship with the wider Arab world. In fact, the Accords initially provoked anger and condemnation among much of the Arab world, who saw it as Egypt breaking ranks and making peace with Israel without addressing the larger Arab-Israeli conflict.
However, it is important to note that the Accords did create a foundation for peace between Israel and Egypt, which led to the signing of the Egypt-Israel Peace Treaty in 1979. This treaty ended the state of war between the two countries and established diplomatic, economic, and cultural relations. While this peace was initially controversial in the Arab world, it eventually paved the way for improved relations between Egypt and other Arab nations.
3. Long-term Effects:
Over time, the peace between Egypt and Israel, facilitated by the Camp David Accords, contributed to a more stable Middle East and helped shape subsequent negotiations and diplomatic efforts in the region. It served as a template for future peace negotiations between Israel and Arab countries, such as the Oslo Accords in the 1990s.
As a result of the peace treaty, the US did see some improvement in its relationship with Egypt, as the two countries developed closer ties, particularly in the areas of military cooperation and economic assistance. Egypt became a key ally of the United States in the region, receiving substantial military aid, and supporting America's regional interests.
However, it is important to note that the overall relationship between the US and the wider Arab world remains complex and multifaceted, influenced by a range of factors beyond the Camp David Accords. While the Accords improved US ties with Egypt, the wider Arab world has been shaped by many other political, social, and economic dynamics that continue to impact US-Arab relations.