Introduction
The image of Donald Trump participating in a traditional sword dance in Saudi Arabia quickly became a defining symbol of his initial approach to the Middle East: a blend of unconventional diplomacy, transactional pragmatism, and a willingness to embrace strong personalities. Trump’s approach to the region stood in stark contrast to his predecessor, characterized by a willingness to challenge established norms, prioritize certain partnerships, and adopt a more confrontational stance towards Iran. These high-profile visits, laden with promises of increased stability and economic opportunities, sparked both enthusiasm and apprehension throughout the region. Donald Trump’s visits to the Middle East, while initially promising a new era of stability, ultimately left a legacy of mixed results, marked by increased tensions with Iran, significant arms sales, and the groundbreaking but controversial Abraham Accords. This article will explore the context, key events, controversies, and long-term impact of Trump’s interactions with the Middle East, examining how his policies reshaped the region’s geopolitical landscape.
The Strategic Context and Ambitious Goals
Donald Trump’s objectives during his multiple visits to the Middle East can be broadly categorized into several key areas. Firstly, combating terrorism, specifically targeting ISIS and related extremist groups, was a central theme. He sought to rally regional partners to strengthen their counter-terrorism efforts and to disrupt the flow of foreign fighters. Secondly, Trump aimed to strengthen alliances with key partners, particularly Saudi Arabia, Israel, and Egypt. He sought to reaffirm the United States’ commitment to their security and to bolster their military capabilities. Thirdly, he publicly expressed a desire to broker a lasting peace agreement between Israel and the Palestinians, often referring to it as the “ultimate deal.” Fourthly, containing Iran’s influence in the region was a consistent objective, driven by concerns over its nuclear program, support for proxy groups, and perceived destabilizing activities. Finally, Trump openly promoted American economic interests, particularly through large-scale arms sales and investments in the region.
Beneath these stated objectives lay a complex web of underlying motivations. Domestic political considerations undoubtedly played a role. Appealing to certain voter bases, particularly those supportive of Israel and strong national security policies, likely influenced his decisions. Personal relationships with leaders like Benjamin Netanyahu and Mohammed bin Salman also seemed to shape his approach, fostering close ties and enabling unconventional diplomatic maneuvers. Furthermore, Trump appeared intent on dismantling the foreign policy legacy of Barack Obama, particularly the Iran nuclear deal, thereby marking a clear departure from previous administrations.
Riyadh’s Embrace: The Saudi Arabia Visit
The inaugural foreign trip of Donald Trump as president led him to Saudi Arabia in May, marking a symbolic gesture that signaled a shift in US priorities. The Riyadh Summit brought together leaders from across the Muslim world, with Trump delivering a highly anticipated address on combating extremism. The now-iconic image of Trump participating in a traditional sword dance alongside Saudi officials captured the attention of the global media, drawing both praise and criticism. Some viewed it as a sign of respect for Saudi culture and a symbol of strengthened ties, while others saw it as an endorsement of a regime with a questionable human rights record. The summit also witnessed the signing of a massive arms deal, reportedly worth hundreds of billions of dollars. The sheer scale of the agreement raised concerns among human rights groups, who argued that it could exacerbate regional conflicts and fuel human rights abuses. On a positive note, the establishment of the Global Center for Combating Extremist Ideology (Etidal) was announced, aimed at countering online radicalization and promoting moderate voices within the Muslim world. However, the center’s effectiveness and long-term impact remained subject to scrutiny.
Jerusalem’s Recognition: Shifting the Sands in Israel
Donald Trump’s relationship with Israel was arguably the most impactful aspect of his Middle East policy. The unwavering support he demonstrated for the Israeli government, particularly under the leadership of Benjamin Netanyahu, fundamentally altered the dynamics of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The visit to the Western Wall held deep historical and religious significance, reinforcing the strong bond between the two nations. The move of the United States Embassy to Jerusalem was perhaps the most consequential decision of Trump’s presidency concerning the Middle East. Despite widespread international condemnation and warnings of potential unrest, Trump proceeded with the relocation, recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. This decision was widely celebrated by Israelis but deeply angered Palestinians, who view East Jerusalem as the capital of their future state. Trump’s stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict was perceived by many as being heavily biased towards Israel. His administration cut funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and undermining efforts to achieve a two-state solution. Despite repeated attempts to broker a peace deal, Trump’s efforts ultimately failed to bridge the deep divide between the two sides.
Forging New Bonds: The Abraham Accords
Perhaps the most significant achievement of the Trump administration in the Middle East was the brokering of the Abraham Accords. These historic agreements led to the normalization of relations between Israel and several Arab nations, including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan. The United States played a crucial role in facilitating these deals, with Jared Kushner, Trump’s senior advisor, leading the diplomatic efforts. The Abraham Accords represented a major shift in regional dynamics, offering the potential for increased trade, investment, and security cooperation. The agreements were also seen as a way to counter Iran’s influence in the region and to create a new alignment of interests.
However, the Abraham Accords were not without their critics. Some argued that they marginalized the Palestinian issue and failed to address the underlying causes of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Others raised concerns about the human rights records of some of the Arab nations involved. Despite these criticisms, the Abraham Accords undeniably reshaped the political landscape of the Middle East, creating new opportunities for cooperation and stability. The long-term implications of these agreements remain to be seen, but they have already had a profound impact on the region.
Confronting Tehran: The Iran Policy’s Impact
Donald Trump’s approach to Iran was one of confrontation and “maximum pressure.” He withdrew the United States from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the Iran nuclear deal, arguing that it was deeply flawed and did not adequately address Iran’s nuclear ambitions or its support for terrorism. The withdrawal from the JCPOA was met with strong opposition from European allies, who argued that the deal was working and that it was in the best interests of international security. Following the withdrawal, the Trump administration reimposed crippling economic sanctions on Iran, targeting its oil exports and financial institutions. The “maximum pressure” campaign aimed to force Iran back to the negotiating table and to compel it to curb its nuclear program and its support for proxy groups.
The sanctions had a devastating impact on the Iranian economy, leading to widespread hardship and social unrest. Tensions between the United States and Iran escalated sharply, with incidents in the Persian Gulf, attacks on oil tankers, and the assassination of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani bringing the two countries to the brink of war. Trump’s Iran policy was widely criticized for being reckless and counterproductive. Critics argued that it had strengthened hardliners in Iran, undermined regional stability, and increased the risk of military conflict.
Controversies and Criticisms: A Contentious Legacy
Trump’s Middle East policies were marked by numerous controversies and criticisms. His perceived bias towards Saudi Arabia and Israel drew criticism from human rights groups and international observers. He was accused of overlooking human rights concerns in Saudi Arabia in favor of maintaining close ties with the kingdom. His unwavering support for Israel was seen by many as undermining the prospects for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Trump’s critics also argued that his policies lacked a coherent strategy and that they were driven by personal relationships and short-term political considerations. Some argued that his actions exacerbated tensions and conflicts in the region, leading to increased instability.
Looking Ahead: Legacy and The Path Forward
Donald Trump’s visits to the Middle East and the policies he pursued have left a lasting impact on the region. The Abraham Accords have opened new avenues for cooperation and stability, while the Iran policy has fueled tensions and instability. The Biden administration has adopted a different approach to the Middle East, seeking to revive the JCPOA and to re-engage with regional partners. The future of U.S. foreign policy in the region remains uncertain, but it is clear that Trump’s legacy will continue to shape the dynamics of the Middle East for years to come.
Conclusion
Donald Trump’s Middle East footprint is a complex and multifaceted one. While his supporters point to the Abraham Accords as a major diplomatic achievement, his critics highlight the increased tensions with Iran and the perceived marginalization of the Palestinian issue. Ultimately, the legacy of Trump’s visits to the Middle East is a reminder that foreign policy decisions have far-reaching consequences and that a nuanced and comprehensive approach is essential to achieving lasting peace and stability in the region. As the Middle East continues to evolve, the decisions made during the Trump years will undoubtedly shape the future trajectory of this strategically vital region for years to come. What lessons can future administrations learn from the Trump era in order to craft more effective and equitable policies in the Middle East?
