WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump is charting a new direction for U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East.
During his trip to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, he pledged to shift away from years of military intervention, focusing instead on negotiating deals.
Trump stated that the region should not be dictated to and praised what he termed a “modern miracle the Arabian way.”
In a stark contrast to his predecessors, Trump criticized the “neo-conservatives” responsible for the violent U.S. military interventions in the region and beyond.
“Ultimately, the so-called nation builders destroyed more countries than they ever helped,” Trump remarked at an investment forum in Riyadh, the first stop on his Gulf tour.
“Numerous American presidents have been misguided by the belief that it’s our role to investigate foreign leaders’ intentions and use U.S. policy to render justice for their wrongs.”
While he didn’t specify names, his targets were unmistakable.
His Democratic predecessor, Joe Biden, linked U.S. support to advancements in human rights, while Republican George W. Bush initiated wars in Afghanistan and Iraq during the early 2000s.
A ‘Significant Shift’
Sina Toossi from the Center for International Policy stated, “Trump’s speech in Riyadh represented a notable and significant shift in U.S. policy regarding the Middle East.”
He emphasized that by distancing from military interventions and nation-building, Trump is leaning toward a more pragmatic and restrained approach, something that resonates within a region strained by conflict and external interference.
However, this approach also entails sidelining democracy and human rights issues in favor of fostering relationships with the oil-rich monarchies known for their authoritarian practices.
His Saudi counterpart, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, was implicated by U.S. intelligence in the 2018 murder of dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi, yet this was notably absent from discussions in Riyadh.
Instead, Trump emphasized transactional diplomacy, advocating for the same principles that guide his domestic policies.
During his visit, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE entered into multiple lucrative business agreements with the U.S., earning accolades from Trump for showcasing the potential of the region.
The Concept of ‘American Power’
Nonetheless, Trump’s deal-making style may soon encounter challenges.
He has shown interest in negotiating with Iran regarding its nuclear program, stating, “I have never supported the idea of having permanent adversaries.”
Simultaneously, he threatened military action against Tehran if a deal isn’t finalized.
Despite his promises to broker peace, Trump departed the Middle East without advancements toward resolving the Gaza conflict, though he did acknowledge the dire situation, referring to the fact that many are “starving” there.
Further afield, Trump tried to persuade Russia’s Vladimir Putin to engage in discussions in Istanbul about ending the invasion of Ukraine, though these efforts were unsuccessful.
Trump’s doctrine of “peace through strength” also reflects contradictions.
At a U.S. airbase in Qatar, he claimed, “My priority is to conclude conflicts, not initiate them,” only to immediately add, “However, I will never hesitate to unleash American power when it’s essential for defending the United States or our allies.”
