Trump’s Peace Board Sparks Europe-Mideast Political Rift/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Trump’s proposed “Board of Peace” is sowing division among nations, especially in Europe. While Muslim-majority countries express support, key European allies are rejecting or hesitating. Critics argue it could undermine the UN’s authority on international conflict resolution.
Trump’s Peace Board Quick Looks
- Project Expansion: Initially focused on Gaza, now eyeing global conflict mediation.
- European Rejection: France, Sweden, and Norway officially declined to join.
- Middle East Support: Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and others pledged participation.
- Netanyahu’s Shift: Israel’s PM reverses position to join the initiative.
- UN Concerns: Critics fear the board could rival or replace the United Nations.
- Global Uncertainty: 60 countries invited, only 18 confirmed attendance so far.
Trump’s Peace Board Sparks Europe-Mideast Political Rift: Deep Look
Trump’s Board of Peace — once envisioned as a focused initiative to oversee a ceasefire in Gaza — has evolved into a broader and more controversial global peace effort. As former U.S. President Donald Trump pushes to formalize the initiative at the World Economic Forum in Davos, reactions from the international community have exposed deep geopolitical divisions.
The “Board of Peace,” now expanding beyond its original scope, is creating friction between traditional Western allies and a coalition of Muslim-majority nations. Trump, who is positioning himself once again as a global mediator, has faced both enthusiastic support and vocal criticism.
According to officials from the Trump administration, the initiative aims to include about 30 countries, with invitations extended to around 60 nations. As of now, only 18 have confirmed participation. Trump remains optimistic, claiming that most countries are eager to join and are only waiting for internal approvals.
“Some need parliamentary approval, but for the most part, everybody wants to be on,” Trump told reporters ahead of the Davos meetings.
European Disapproval: France, Sweden, Norway Decline
Key U.S. allies in Europe have voiced strong objections to the board’s ambitions. France was the first to reject the offer, citing concerns about undermining the role of the United Nations. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot emphasized France’s support for the peace plan in Gaza but opposed the creation of a separate peace board that could replace the U.N.
Norway followed suit, with State Secretary Kristoffer Thoner stating the board “raises a number of questions that require further dialogue with the United States.” Sweden echoed this sentiment, with Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson indicating his country would not join under the current proposal.
Slovenia’s Prime Minister, Robert Golob, expressed similar concerns, suggesting the board’s sweeping mandate could jeopardize the current international order based on the U.N. Charter. He insisted that it was not the right time to join such a platform.
Several other global powers, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Russia, Ukraine, China, and the European Union’s executive branch, have yet to formally respond.
Middle Eastern and Global Support Grows
In contrast, several Muslim-majority countries and others across the globe have welcomed the initiative. Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have announced in a joint statement their leaders’ commitment to joining the board.
Israel’s participation is a notable development. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has now agreed to join, reversing an earlier stance that criticized a separate Gaza oversight committee including Turkey — a key Israeli rival. The shift could create friction within Netanyahu’s far-right coalition, particularly with Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who has condemned the board and argued for unilateral Israeli control over Gaza.
Other nations committing to the board include Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Belarus, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Morocco, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam — signaling a growing bloc that spans the Middle East, Central Asia, and South America.
Potential Rival to the United Nations?
Critics across the political spectrum have questioned the strategic intent behind the initiative. Trump’s vague comments during a press interaction — where he suggested the board “might” replace the United Nations — have added to the unease.
Observers worry the board could become an alternative peace platform, diminishing the authority of the U.N. Security Council and existing multilateral institutions. There are also questions regarding legitimacy, structure, enforcement mechanisms, and how disputes among board members would be handled.
As Trump continues to shape this initiative, global leaders face a difficult choice: support an untested peace mechanism under his leadership or uphold the traditional international structures that have governed post-WWII diplomacy.
The upcoming Davos meeting will likely serve as a critical juncture, determining whether Trump’s vision will be realized — or fall apart under diplomatic strain.
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