7 takeaways from Trump's Middle East trip

7 takeaways from Trump's Middle East trip

Former President Donald Trump left the Middle East on Friday, praising economic agreements while portraying himself as the key to a peaceful resolution to many global conflicts.

Travel to the Gulf States

His four-day trip to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates revealed a president who continued both old habits - a penchant for celebration and flattery and the protocol of office - and embraced new approaches. Trump’s agenda was targeted and heavily focused on dealmaking, while largely missing the chaotic conditions that characterized his first term. Still, some global challenges remained unresolved this week as Russia's war in Ukraine, the conflict between Israel and Hamas, and nuclear tensions with Iran created background instability.

“Economy instead of chaos”

As he traveled from Riyadh to Doha to Abu Dhabi, Trump fully embraced the transactional nature of his foreign policy. For him, the businessman and the peacemaker are one and the same person. “A new generation of leaders is transcending the old conflicts and tired divisions of the past and forging a future in which the Middle East is one of trade, not chaos,” Trump said during a speech in Saudi Arabia. He called for a world of “technology, not terrorism,” in which people of different nations, religions and beliefs build cities together instead of destroying each other.

These clear words sharpened the focus on his foreign policy goals. This became particularly evident when Trump announced a major change in US foreign policy, lifting sanctions on Syria to give the country a chance at greatness. “It’s their time to shine,” Trump said. "We are lifting all sanctions. Good luck Syria, show us something very special." At a later point it became clear that this was a temporary suspension of sanctions before a permanent lifting could be requested.

Conversations with Putin

One of the biggest challenges remains achieving personal commitment from President Vladimir Putin to peace talks on Ukraine. “We have to meet,” Trump said. "He and I will meet and I think we'll work it out - or maybe not." However, this was not the harsh tone Trump often takes toward his foreign counterparts. Putin has repeatedly deferred the expectations of Trump, who in turn has repeatedly praised him. The situation remains frustrating for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, as he and other European leaders contacted Trump to convince him that pressure on Russia must be maintained.

During his trip, Trump toyed with the idea of ​​traveling to Turkey to personally mediate negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. But when Putin didn't announce a visit, the president fell by the wayside. One of the most burning questions now plaguing the White House is: When will Trump and Putin meet? Or when will Trump make clear decisions?

Restrictions in large conflicts

The problems with Russia were not the only example during Trump's trip that highlighted the limitations of his most ambitious goals. Efforts to reach a ceasefire and an agreement between Israel and Hamas are also making slow progress. Trump would have liked to present a major agreement between Israel and Hamas during his trip and might even have planned a trip to Israel. But the conflict threatens to escalate with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expected to launch an intensified phase of war in Gaza after Trump's trip, reflecting the lack of progress.

Although Trump remains optimistic about the prospects for a nuclear deal with Iran, the complicated negotiations appear far from being resolved. According to information, the Trump administration is awaiting a response from Iran to a proposal discussed last weekend. In Doha on Thursday, the president suggested that negotiators were "very close" to a deal and that Iran had given "some sort of agreement" to the terms.

Rare recognition from Democrats

Typically, Trump's harshest critics are Democrats, but in this case several of them praised his decision to lift decades-old sanctions on Syria and meet with the new Syrian leader. This support came from prominent politicians such as Leon Panetta and Representative Jim Himes. Himes acknowledged that Trump handled most of the trip through the Middle East well.

Trump travels solo

Unlike his trip to Saudi Arabia in 2017, where his wife Melania Trump was present, this time the president traveled alone. This allowed him to spend a lot of time with kings, princes and business leaders until late hours. In general, his family plays a reduced role in his second term. His eldest daughter Ivanka Trump, who was a key adviser during his first term, has retired from politics. Although his son-in-law Jared Kushner had previously played a central role in advising the president in the region, he did not take part in this trip.

Criticism of political opponents

During Trump's trip, he increasingly focused on his political opponents, perceived as "internal enemies." The president made references to Democrats, the media and celebrities throughout his trip. In this context, he did not adhere to long-standing norms that should avoid a critical attitude towards domestic rivals during foreign trips and attacked frequently and personally.

His predecessor Joe Biden, among others, was very much in the crosshairs: "He didn't do anything about anything. He had no ability, no opportunities," he told the members of the Gulf Cooperation Council. Trump continued to gloat when he insulted former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg in Qatar for cycling to work.

Impressive reception ceremonies

Trump, a former reality TV star, is particularly aware of the drama in the presidential office, particularly while traveling internationally. His hosts did their best to welcome him with splendid ceremonies. In Saudi Arabia, a royal purple carpet was laid out, there were trumpets and a 21-gun firing of honor. In Doha, a fleet of red Tesla Cybertrucks escorted the president to the official event, where he was met by a crowd of camels and Arabian horses. In Abu Dhabi, Trump was greeted with drums while children waved American and Emirati flags.

The friendly gestures of his hosts resulted in important agreements and new opportunities for cooperation with the USA. The Saudi Crown Prince's blandishments contributed to Trump's decision to meet with Syria's interim president. The warm contacts during his trip were in stark contrast to the antipathy he harbors toward some of his other international colleagues who are considered close allies of the United States.