Trump's Foreign Policy And Its Impact On Relations With Arab Countries

Chloe Fitzgerald

5 min read

Post on May 17, 2025

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The "Deal of the Century" and the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

Shifting Sands in the Middle East Peace Process

Trump's "Deal of the Century" peace plan aimed to resolve the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Unveiled in January 2020, it proposed a two-state solution with significant concessions from the Palestinian side, including limitations on Palestinian sovereignty and the establishment of a demilitarized Palestinian state.

• Key Provisions: The plan offered a financially lucrative package for the Palestinians in exchange for recognizing Israeli sovereignty over large swathes of the West Bank, including major settlements. Jerusalem was designated as Israel's undivided capital.
• Palestinian Reaction: The Palestinian Authority (PA), led by Mahmoud Abbas, vehemently rejected the plan, calling it biased and unacceptable. They viewed it as a betrayal of their aspirations for a truly independent state.
• Arab Acceptance: While some Arab nations cautiously welcomed aspects of the plan, expressing hope for renewed negotiations, the overall regional response was lukewarm, reflecting the deep divisions regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Key players like Benjamin Netanyahu (Israel) embraced the plan, viewing it as a significant step towards solidifying Israeli interests.

The "Deal of the Century" ultimately failed to achieve its objective. Its rejection by the Palestinians and the lack of widespread Arab support underscore the enduring complexity of the Israeli-Palestinian peace process and the limitations of a top-down approach. Trump's Middle East policy, in this instance, proved insufficient to overcome deeply entrenched political realities.

The Iran Nuclear Deal and Regional Security

Abandoning the JCPOA and its Ripple Effects

One of the most defining aspects of Trump's Arab policy was his withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the Iran nuclear deal, in May 2018. This decision dramatically altered the regional security landscape and significantly impacted US relationships with several Arab states.

• Gulf States' Reactions: Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and other Gulf states, long wary of Iran's regional ambitions, initially welcomed the withdrawal, viewing it as a step towards containing Iranian influence. However, the subsequent escalation of tensions and the lack of a clear alternative strategy raised concerns.
• Increased Regional Tensions: The reimposition of sanctions on Iran led to a significant increase in regional tensions, with Iran retaliating by escalating its nuclear program and increasing its support for proxy groups in the region.
• Impact on Regional Stability: Trump’s Iran policy, while initially perceived as assertive by some Arab partners, ultimately destabilized the region further, contributing to the escalation of proxy conflicts and raising concerns about the potential for wider conflict.

Trump's decision to abandon the JCPOA, a key element of his "Trump's Iran policy," demonstrated a willingness to prioritize immediate gains over long-term strategic stability in the Middle East.

Counterterrorism and Military Alliances

Reassessing Partnerships and Military Strategies

Trump's approach to counterterrorism in the Arab world involved a reassessment of military alliances and partnerships. While maintaining strategic relationships with key Arab partners, his administration shifted priorities and adjusted levels of military support.

• Changes in Military Aid: The Trump administration reviewed and altered the levels of military aid provided to certain Arab countries, reflecting a more transactional approach to security cooperation. For example, while Egypt continued to receive significant aid, support for some other countries experienced adjustments.
• Shifting Counterterrorism Priorities: The administration’s focus on counterterrorism shifted to a more targeted approach, focusing on specific threats and regions, rather than a broad, regional strategy.
• Impact on Regional Stability: The changes in military support and the shifting counterterrorism priorities arguably influenced regional stability, potentially contributing to both positive and negative outcomes depending on the specific context.

Trump's counterterrorism strategy under his Arab policy involved both increased direct military action in some instances and recalibration of alliances in others. The long-term implications remain a subject of ongoing debate.

Economic Relations and Trade

Impact of Trade Policies on Arab Economies

Trump's trade policies, characterized by tariffs and sanctions, had a noticeable impact on US-Arab economic relations. While the overall effects were complex and varied across different Arab nations, certain trends emerged.

• Tariffs and their Repercussions: The imposition of tariffs on certain goods impacted specific industries in Arab countries, resulting in increased costs for consumers and businesses alike.
• Impact on Trade Agreements: Trump's administration also reassessed existing trade agreements with Arab nations, leading to uncertainty and potential disruptions in trade flows.
• Economic Repercussions: The overall economic effect of Trump's trade policies on Arab economies was a mixed bag. Some sectors experienced negative consequences, while others found opportunities in shifting global trade dynamics.

Trump’s trade policy impacted US-Arab trade relationships in a complex way, leading to both benefits and challenges for various Arab economies.

Conclusion

Trump's Arab policy significantly altered the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East. While some actions, such as the withdrawal from the JCPOA, were initially welcomed by some Arab states concerned about Iranian influence, his overall approach, characterized by transactional relationships and a focus on immediate interests, left a complex legacy. His "Deal of the Century," despite significant concessions, ultimately failed to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. His fluctuating military alliances and trade policies also had varied consequences across the region. Understanding Trump's Arab policy is crucial for comprehending the current geopolitical dynamics of the Middle East. Further research into specific bilateral relationships and the evolving dynamics of the region will illuminate the long-term implications of his administration's actions. Continue to explore the complexities of Trump's Arab policy and its far-reaching effects on the region.