Trump’s New Middle East: Change and Implications
By Il-kwang Sung
- President Trump's recent Gulf visit signals a strategic shift in US foreign policy, moving from traditional alliances to a new focus on technology-driven economic collaborations and transactional stability with resource-rich Gulf states, emphasizing shared strategic priorities like countering Iran and securing energy markets.
- The visit, which notably excluded Israel and other key Arab leaders, suggests a potential reshaping of regional alliances and a reduced reliance on Israel, with Gulf leaders pressing Trump on issues like lifting Syria sanctions and promoting an Iran nuclear agreement.
- The trip resulted in an unprecedented $2 trillion in economic and defense deals, primarily in technology, and highlights the Gulf states' ambition to become global AI hubs, solidifying a "Trump Doctrine" that prioritizes mutual economic returns and regional security cooperation.
