President Trump is making headlines with his recent trip to the Middle East, where he focused heavily on business deals rather than addressing ongoing conflicts. During his visit, he met with leaders from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, announcing significant economic agreements. Trump emphasized that the region should be defined by "commerce, not chaos," which reflects his preference for deal-making over traditional diplomacy.
While Trump champions these economic partnerships, he has been noticeably quiet about pressing issues like the Israel-Hamas conflict and the war in Ukraine. Analysts point out that his approach highlights a stark contrast to previous U.S. administrations that sought to promote peace and democracy in the Middle East. Instead, Trump seems more interested in transactional relationships, believing that countries should develop their own political systems without U.S. intervention.
Experts have raised concerns about this strategy. Stephen Walt, a Harvard professor, notes that while Trump excels in making deals with allies, he struggles with diplomatic efforts involving rivals. This is particularly evident in his handling of the Israel-Palestine situation and the ongoing war in Ukraine. Walt argues that true diplomacy requires addressing conflicts of interest, which Trump often sidesteps.
In Ukraine, Trump has pushed for a minerals agreement, but experts like former ambassador Geoffrey Pyatt warn that a single business deal cannot resolve a complex war. Meanwhile, Trump has expressed frustration with Russia’s actions but has yet to take significant steps to apply pressure on Moscow. He has threatened to abandon peace efforts if a ceasefire is not reached, emphasizing his inclination to walk away from conflicts rather than engage deeply.
Trump’s reliance on Steve Witkoff, a friend with no prior diplomatic experience, for handling major issues like nuclear negotiations with Iran and ceasefire efforts in Gaza raises further concerns. Critics fear that this approach may lead to miscalculations, as Witkoff’s lack of experience could hinder effective diplomacy.
Overall, Trump’s focus on business deals and reluctance to engage in traditional diplomatic efforts may keep the U.S. out of major conflicts. However, it also risks leaving unresolved tensions in volatile regions. As the situation evolves, many are watching to see how Trump’s strategy will play out on the global stage.