Donald Trump’s return to the White House is expected to significantly alter U.S. foreign policy, particularly in the Middle East. Robert Ford highlights the challenges of achieving peace in Gaza and Lebanon, the sparse Republican support for Palestinian statehood, and the likelihood of continued military aid to Israel. Ford notes potential changes in U.S. engagement with Lebanon and an aggressive approach toward Iran. Overall, internal divisions within Trump’s administration may complicate achieving coherent policies on these pressing issues.
The anticipated return of Donald Trump to the White House following his November 5 election victory is poised to significantly revamp America’s foreign policy, particularly amidst heightened tensions in the Middle East. Robert Ford, a seasoned diplomat with extensive experience in the Arab world, shared his assessment of the potential implications of a Trump administration for the region, suggesting that while Trump may strive for negotiations, actual peace in conflicts such as those in Gaza and Lebanon could be challenging. He indicated that there is scant support within the Republican Party for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, making it unlikely that the incoming administration would exert pressure on Israel. Ford emphasized the role of Gulf leaders in influencing U.S. policy towards Palestinians, noting that without their insistence on state recognition, Trump may not prioritize the issue. With regard to the ongoing war in Gaza, which has resulted in significant civilian casualties, Ford suspects that Trump’s administration will prioritize military support for Israel rather than imposing any arms embargo. He posits that Trump may seek long-term reductions in U.S. foreign aid but would not frame these reductions as threats against Israel. The conflict with Hezbollah in Lebanon continues, exacerbating regional instability, and Ford anticipates that early discussions regarding Lebanese affairs may arise from Trump’s personal connections to the country. Ford expressed skepticism over the likelihood of significant U.S. military involvement in Syria, where he predicts troop withdrawal may occur, although the U.S. presence is essential for countering Iranian influence and aiding Kurdish forces. In terms of U.S. policy towards Iran, Ford expects a return to a “maximum pressure” strategy under Trump, with divisions emerging within the administration between aggressive and isolationist stances. Furthermore, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine will also present challenges, as internal disagreements regarding NATO and potential negotiations may prolong the resolution process. Overall, Trump’s foreign policy approach appears set for stark changes, heavily influenced by loyalty to personal advisors and a preference for direct family connections in diplomacy.
This article discusses the expected shift in U.S. foreign policy resulting from Donald Trump’s impending return to the presidency. The focus is on the complex geopolitical landscape in the Middle East, particularly in light of recent conflicts involving Israel, Gaza, and Hezbollah. Robert Ford, a diplomat with a rich background in the region, offers insights into how Trump’s administration may impact long-standing tensions, while also addressing the intricate dynamics surrounding U.S. support for Israel, approaches to Iranian influence, and potential negotiations regarding Ukraine. Understanding these elements is essential for anticipating how the new administration might navigate challenges and leverage relationships in the region, especially as they pertain to the Arab states and the broader dynamics of international diplomacy.
In summary, the return of Donald Trump to the presidency is poised to reshape U.S. foreign policy towards the Middle East, particularly through military support for Israel and an ambiguous stance on Palestinian recognition. The complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, as well as ongoing struggles involving Hezbollah, demand nuanced approaches that may be influenced by Gulf leaders due to their strategic positions in the region. Additionally, Trump’s foreign policy will likely reflect his previous administration’s inclination towards military and isolationist strategies with regards to Iran and Syria, all while grappling with challenges surrounding the Ukraine conflict.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
