Madrid Peace Conference

About

The Madrid Peace Conference, held from October 30 to November 1, 1991, was a historic event that brought together Israeli leaders and delegations from Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, and the Palestinians for the first time in face-to-face negotiations. Co-sponsored by the United States and the Soviet Union, the conference aimed to revitalize the Arab-Israeli peace process following the Gulf War. Secretary of State James Baker played a crucial role in organizing the event, making multiple diplomatic visits to secure support from regional leaders. The conference laid the groundwork for subsequent bilateral and multilateral talks, including those in Washington and Moscow. Although immediate breakthroughs were limited, the Madrid Conference led to significant developments, such as the Oslo Accords and the Israeli-Jordanian peace treaty. It symbolically marked a new era in Middle East diplomacy, setting a precedent for future negotiations and increasing international recognition of Israel. Despite its symbolic achievements, the conference's long-term impact was constrained by ongoing regional tensions.