Good morning! The Brazilian government has undermined 40 years of Middle-East diplomacy in two days.
How to undermine 40 years of Middle-East diplomacy in two days
Upon arriving in Israel on Sunday, President Jair Bolsonaro claimed Brazil was finally becoming “balanced” in regards to the Middle East. His visit, however, was filled with steps which were seen as insults by Muslim-majority countries.
- Mr. Bolsonaro became the first Brazilian head of state to visit the Wailing Wall accompanied by Israeli authorities, going with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Traditionally, Brazilian presidents go there alone, in deference to Muslim countries.
- After announcing the opening of a business office in Jerusalem, Mr. Bolsonaro once again talked about placing an embassy in the city claimed by both Israelis and Palestinians.
- As significant as what Mr. Bolsonaro did, is what he didn’t do. He didn’t include visits to any Palestinian city or Muslim country on his schedule, as Lula did in 2010.
Ambassadors of disgruntled Muslim-majority countries have formally requested a meeting with President Jair Bolsonaro and Foreign Minister Ernesto Araújo, but the Brazilian diplomacy has reportedly not yet replied.
Mr. Bolsonaro’s moves pander to one of his bases, evangelicals, but go against the interest of...