In a bold statement marking a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy, President Donald Trump declared the end of a decades-long approach to the Middle East that has often been criticized for its failures. Speaking at an investment conference in Riyadh, Trump emphasized that the era of misguided nation-building efforts is over. He stated, “The so-called nation builders wrecked far more nations than they built,” highlighting the complexities of intervening in regions without a true understanding of their dynamics.
For the first time since the early 1990s, the U.S. is not engaged in active military conflicts in the Middle East. Trump announced a fragile ceasefire in Yemen and is withdrawing troops from Syria. He also made history by being the first American president in 25 years to meet with a Syrian leader, signaling a potential thaw in relations. Alongside these developments, Trump indicated plans to end sanctions against Syria and hinted at renewed negotiations with Iran regarding its nuclear program.
Reflecting on past U.S. actions, Trump pointed out the disastrous consequences of previous interventions, such as the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. These conflicts have resulted in immense loss of life and instability, with estimates suggesting over 940,000 deaths directly linked to American military actions since 9/11. The broader toll, including indirect fatalities from related issues like malnutrition and disease, could reach up to 4.7 million. The Costs of War Project also reports that about 38 million people have been displaced due to these conflicts, with the financial burden on the U.S. exceeding $8 trillion.
Trump’s remarks come at a pivotal moment in the region. He expressed hope that Saudi Arabia would follow the lead of the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain in recognizing Israel. This would be a major diplomatic step and could reshape relationships in the Middle East. However, achieving a nuclear deal with Iran remains a challenging task.
A notable aspect of Trump’s new approach is his willingness to engage with former adversaries. He met with Ahmed al-Sharaa, a Syrian leader with a controversial past, which may signal a pragmatic shift in U.S. diplomacy. This meeting, described as jaw-dropping, reflects a strategy of making peace with former foes rather than sticking to traditional alliances.
Syria now stands at a crossroads, with the potential for economic recovery following the lifting of sanctions. Al-Sharaa has invited U.S. energy companies to explore Syria’s oil resources, but the future depends on Syria’s ability to distance itself from Iranian influence and terrorist groups. Gulf leaders are supportive of the new Syrian government and are looking for U.S. backing.
As Trump moves forward, he emphasizes a departure from previous policies focused on human rights and democracy promotion. Instead, he is prioritizing regional stability and economic prosperity. There are still many challenges ahead, but this shift in strategy could open new doors for cooperation and peace in the Middle East.