Quote from Alex bobby on November 7, 2024, 5:09 AM

Arab Leaders Congratulate Trump on Presidential Win, Hope for End to Regional Conflicts

AMMAN, JORDAN — Following Donald Trump's victory in the U.S. presidential election, leaders across the Arab world quickly extended their congratulations, expressing hopes that his administration could help resolve some of the most pressing conflicts in the Middle East. While some leaders see a potential ally who could help end the wars in Gaza and Lebanon, others are looking to Trump for a firmer stance against Iran.

Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, alongside leaders from the United Arab Emirates and Qatar’s emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad, congratulated Trump on his win, emphasizing the importance of strong strategic partnerships with the U.S. This optimism comes as Trump’s previous presidency showed a preference for cultivating personal ties with Middle Eastern leaders—a style many hope will continue.

Dania Koleilat Khatib, president of the Research Centre for Cooperation and Peace Building in Beirut, noted that Trump’s approach is welcomed by Arab leaders who are wary of the U.S.'s previous administration, which was perceived to be more “transactional.” In an interview with Voice of America (VOA), she observed, "One of his main campaign promises was to end the war in Gaza. But end it how? Would it end with a Palestinian state? We don’t know.” Khatib cautioned that Trump’s relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the potential for escalated tensions with Iran are also points of concern for regional stability.

Gulf States Hope for Resolution in Gaza and Lebanon

The escalating Gaza conflict, a critical issue for Arab states, could set the tone for Trump’s foreign policy in the Middle East. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has reiterated that his nation will not consider formalizing relations with Israel unless there is an end to the Gaza war and a clear path toward establishing a Palestinian state. Gulf leaders have been cautious with their approach, balancing alliances with the U.S. while maintaining cautious ties with Iran.

Wealthy Gulf states have taken steps to assure Iran that their territories will not be used to facilitate an Israeli attack on Iranian soil, underscoring the fragile diplomacy needed to avoid further escalation. While Trump is expected to take a harder line on Iran, some believe he might adopt a strategy of tightening sanctions rather than direct military involvement. Analyst Osama Al Sharif in Amman said, “Trump doesn’t need to start his first day at the office with more news of children getting killed and hospitals being blown up.” With public opinion increasingly sensitive to civilian casualties, Trump may seek to de-escalate some conflicts while also strengthening sanctions on Iran.

The Iran Challenge: A Test for Trump’s Isolationist Approach?

Iran’s guarded response to Trump’s election signals a readiness for confrontation if provoked, especially with escalating tensions over Gaza and Lebanon. Al Sharif suggests that Trump’s strategy may involve indirect communications with Iran through Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has emerged as a key ally to Iran. “He may be able to communicate with Tehran through Putin,” Al Sharif explained, although he also pointed out that this diplomatic route remains untested.

In the Middle East, Iran’s influence stretches across several countries, including Syria and Iraq, where its support of proxy groups has helped to maintain its leverage in the region. Trump’s isolationist tendencies could lead him to avoid direct involvement, but increased sanctions on Iran might be his preferred method to curtail Iran's regional power. Al Sharif added, "He may tighten sanctions, but a full confrontation is unlikely—Trump wants to pull America back, not push it further in."

Netanyahu, the West Bank, and Potential New Challenges for Palestinians

Trump’s close relationship with Netanyahu may bring both opportunities and risks for the Middle East. During his first term, Trump recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and moved the U.S. embassy there, signaling his support for Israel's claims over disputed territories. This move was deeply unpopular in the Arab world and led to protests across the region. Al Sharif expressed concern that Trump might go a step further by recognizing Israel’s annexation of parts of the West Bank. “If he does, it would complicate things dramatically for the Palestinians and for Jordan,” Al Sharif said.

Such a move could have wide-ranging implications for Palestinian self-determination, Jordan's stability, and the broader Middle Eastern peace process. Jordan's King Abdullah, along with Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati, all extended their congratulations to Trump. These leaders are directly involved in ongoing efforts to negotiate peace and resolve the Gaza conflict, but they are wary of any policy shifts that could escalate tensions or make negotiations more difficult.

What Lies Ahead?

As Trump prepares to assume office, the Arab world remains cautiously optimistic yet vigilant. Leaders across the region hope Trump will leverage his influence to promote peace in Gaza and Lebanon and help stabilize the Middle East. However, his close ties with Netanyahu, a hardliner on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, could lead to decisions that complicate peace efforts.

Moreover, Trump’s likely stance on Iran could either ease tensions or spark a new period of strain between the U.S. and the Islamic Republic. Gulf leaders, balancing their allegiances with the U.S. and diplomatic channels with Iran, will be watching closely as Trump defines his administration’s stance. The coming months will reveal whether Trump’s policies help foster a more stable Middle East or whether they lead to new conflicts and uncertainties for a region already fraught with challenges.

Ultimately, Trump's Middle East strategy remains uncertain, yet it has the potential to reshape alliances, confront Iran’s influence, and impact ongoing conflicts that affect millions across the region. For now, Arab leaders express hope—but are prepared to adapt as Trump's policies unfold.

In conclusion, Donald Trump’s presidential victory has sparked mixed emotions across the Arab world, with leaders hoping he will bring a fresh approach to long-standing conflicts in the Middle East. While some see his close ties with regional leaders as an opportunity for peace, particularly in Gaza and Lebanon, others remain wary of his close alliance with Israel and the potential for a harder stance against Iran. Trump’s isolationist tendencies and preference for personal diplomacy could influence his approach to both escalating tensions and potential peace negotiations.

Arab leaders will be closely monitoring his early decisions, particularly regarding Israel’s actions in the West Bank and his approach to sanctions on Iran. While there is cautious optimism, the region’s deep-seated issues and complex alliances mean that any misstep could risk new waves of instability. For now, the Arab world waits to see whether Trump’s administration will usher in a new era of diplomacy and peace or intensify the existing challenges.