Middle East Peace or America First? Trump’s Dilemma on the Global Stage

Thomas Henry
2 min readNov 7, 2024

--

As Trump promises to secure peace in the Middle East, many question whether he will pursue a diplomatic path or focus on domestic priorities. Known for his “America First” agenda, Trump’s isolationist tendencies may conflict with the demands of Middle Eastern diplomacy. The situation is delicate: Israel’s conflicts with Gaza, Hezbollah, and Iranian proxies require careful handling, not quick fixes.

Trump’s past approach has often favored reducing U.S. commitments abroad. However, the Middle East, particularly Israel’s security, is a major exception. Evangelical support in the U.S. has bolstered Trump’s pro-Israel stance, and his family ties through son-in-law Jared Kushner add a personal dimension. These factors might compel Trump to invest more in Middle Eastern issues despite his broader isolationist leanings.

Trump’s critics argue that his commitment to “America First” may not extend to humanitarian crises, particularly in Gaza. The region faces a severe humanitarian situation, with thousands killed and displaced. Trump’s approach to Gaza remains unclear; he has voiced support for Israel’s actions without articulating a strategy for addressing the crisis. His stance may disappoint those hoping for a balanced U.S. response.

The U.S.-Iran relationship is also central to Trump’s Middle East agenda. Trump’s past sanctions crippled Iran’s economy, but Iran’s influence remains strong. Trump’s approach to Iran’s nuclear program could be crucial. His return might signal a harder stance on Iran, which risks inflaming regional tensions. A potential escalation could counter Trump’s peace promises, placing American lives and interests at risk.

Questions about Trump’s commitment to a diplomatic solution in Gaza are pressing. While he has emphasized that the U.S. should not engage in “endless wars,” his stance on Israeli security may pull him into deeper involvement. Balancing U.S. interests with a desire to “finish the job” in Gaza might leave Trump straddling conflicting priorities.

As Trump navigates these challenges, his “America First” strategy could either limit or propel U.S. involvement in the Middle East. Whether Trump’s approach will prioritize diplomacy or military support remains uncertain, but his decisions will undeniably impact regional stability and America’s role in global affairs.

--

--

Thomas Henry
Thomas Henry

Written by Thomas Henry

What you do speaks so loudly that I cannot hear what you say

No responses yet