Trumpedefines U.S. Foreign Policy in the Middle East

President Donald Trump foreign policy met Wednesday with Syria’s new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, marking a dramatic departure from traditional U.S. foreign policy. Trump praised regional autonomy and emphasized that past success often came when the U.S. stepped back. This meeting with Sharaa, a former al-Qaeda affiliate turned self-declared moderate, underscores Trump’s unconventional and pragmatic diplomatic style.

Grand Ceremonies and Symbolic Gestures in the Gulf

Trump’s regional tour began with a ceremonial welcome in Riyadh and concluded with opulence in Qatar, where he was greeted with a camel parade and ushered into a lavish marble palace. In between, he met leaders and restructured long-standing diplomatic frameworks, most notably reversing sanctions on Syria and signaling openness to peace talks with Iran.

A Transactional Foreign Policy at Full Speed

Trump defended Qatar’s offer of a $400 million Boeing 747 as a national gift, calling critics “fools” and arguing that it recognized U.S. accomplishments. The president’s fondness for transactional diplomacy resonated with Gulf monarchs, many of whom sealed deals — including a multibillion-dollar order for Boeing aircraft, which Trump labeled a “record.”

Personal Political and Business Lines Blur

Trump’s Gulf stops coincided with countries where his sons recently secured business deals, including crypto ventures. The White House insists Trump has severed ties with his businesses. Still, his administration’s closeness with Qatar — once ostracized by regional powers — has raised eyebrows. Doha has emerged as a key mediator, hosting peace talks and seeking closer ties with Washington.

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Reversing Sanctions and Embracing New Leadership in Syria

Trump’s endorsement of Syria’s new leader drew standing ovations at the Gulf Cooperation Council summit. He praised Sharaa as a “tough” and “amazing” fighter and reversed sanctions imposed on the Syrian economy. Hosted by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and joined by Turkish President Erdogan via videoconference, the high-level meeting lasted over thirty minutes and marked a turning point in U.S.-Syria relations.

Rethinking Relations with Iran and the Region

In Doha, Trump expressed hope for better relations with Tehran. He reiterated that Iran must not develop nuclear weapons. He added that “permanent enemies” are not part of his worldview. This shift alarmed allies like Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The concern grew when the Trump administration bypassed Israel to negotiate directly with Hamas for an American hostage’s release.

The Spectacle and the Strategy Behind the Visit

Upon arrival in Qatar, Trump was honored with parades, sword dances, and poetic tributes. He complimented the Qatari Emir’s palace, calling the marble architecture “perfecto.” The presence of luxury aircraft, including a Bahraini 747-400, juxtaposed with Trump’s interest in Qatar’s 747-8 offer, highlighted the blending of prestige, power, and presidential aspiration on this high-profile trip.

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