Trump's Middle East Policy: Winners And Losers

Chloe Fitzgerald

5 min read

Post on May 18, 2025

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Winners of Trump's Middle East Policy

Israel

Trump's administration significantly strengthened the US-Israel relationship, providing unprecedented levels of support. This manifested in several key areas:

• Increased Military Aid and Diplomatic Support: The Trump administration provided substantial increases in military aid to Israel, solidifying the already strong military alliance. Diplomatic support was also unwavering, with the US consistently vetoing UN resolutions critical of Israeli policies.
• Recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's Capital: The controversial decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital and relocate the US embassy there was a significant symbolic victory for Israel, fulfilling a long-standing Israeli aspiration. This move, however, alienated many in the international community and further complicated the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
• Abraham Accords: Perhaps the most significant achievement was brokering the Abraham Accords, normalizing relations between Israel and several Arab nations, including the UAE, Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan. This landmark achievement reshaped regional alliances and significantly altered the geopolitical landscape.
• Reduced US Pressure on Israeli Settlements: The Trump administration significantly reduced US pressure on Israeli settlement expansion in the West Bank, a policy shift that drew criticism from international bodies and human rights organizations advocating for a two-state solution.

Saudi Arabia and Other Gulf States

Trump's policy also benefited Saudi Arabia and other Gulf States in several ways:

• Increased Arms Sales and Military Cooperation: The US significantly increased arms sales to Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states, strengthening their military capabilities and bolstering their security. This was a key component of the administration's strategy to counter Iranian influence in the region.
• Continued Support Against Iran: The Trump administration adopted a strong stance against Iran, providing unwavering support to Saudi Arabia and other Gulf States in their efforts to contain Iranian influence and counter its regional ambitions. This included increased intelligence sharing and joint military exercises.
• Strengthened Economic Ties: Economic ties were significantly strengthened through increased trade and investment. The focus was on building mutually beneficial economic partnerships, emphasizing energy security and regional stability.

Certain Kurdish Groups

Initially, certain Kurdish groups in Syria received significant support from the US under the Trump administration in the fight against ISIS. This support, however, was later significantly reduced, leaving the future of these groups uncertain and highlighting the fluctuating nature of the US's commitment to various factions in the region.

Losers of Trump's Middle East Policy

Palestinians

The Trump administration's policies had a profoundly negative impact on the Palestinians:

• Reduced US Financial Aid: The US significantly reduced financial aid to the Palestinian Authority, crippling essential services and hindering the prospects for economic development.
• Closure of the PLO Office in Washington D.C.: The closure of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) office in Washington D.C. further marginalized the Palestinian voice in US policymaking.
• Lack of Progress Towards a Two-State Solution: The Trump administration's approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict showed little progress towards achieving a two-state solution, leaving the prospects for a lasting peace significantly diminished.
• Limited International Support for Palestinian Claims: The shift in US policy under the Trump administration negatively impacted international support for Palestinian claims and rights.

Iran

Iran was a clear loser under Trump's Middle East policy:

• Withdrawal from the Iran Nuclear Deal (JCPOA): The withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the Iran nuclear deal, significantly escalated tensions with Iran and imposed crippling sanctions.
• Increased Sanctions and Pressure: The Trump administration imposed a series of crippling sanctions on Iran, aiming to pressure the Iranian government to change its behavior. These sanctions had a devastating impact on the Iranian economy.
• Heightened Tensions in the Region: The aggressive stance towards Iran significantly heightened tensions in the region, raising the risk of military conflict.

Yemen

The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Yemen was exacerbated by the Trump administration's policies:

• Continued US Support for the Saudi-Led Coalition: The continued US support for the Saudi-led coalition in the Yemeni civil war contributed to the devastating humanitarian crisis, leading to widespread famine and death.
• Limited US Efforts Towards a Peaceful Resolution: The Trump administration made limited efforts to facilitate a peaceful resolution to the conflict, contributing to its prolongation and increased suffering.

Syrian Refugees and Civilians

The reduced US involvement in the Syrian conflict under Trump's administration led to further instability and increased human rights concerns:

• Limited Protection and Support for Displaced Populations: The decrease in US support for Syrian refugees and civilians created a vacuum, leading to a heightened vulnerability to violence and suffering.

Conclusion

Trump's Middle East policy undeniably reshaped the regional landscape. While Israel and certain Gulf states benefited from strengthened alliances and increased military cooperation, Palestinians and other groups faced significant setbacks, including reduced US support and stalled peace processes. The policy's long-term impact remains to be seen, with many challenges persisting. Further analysis of Trump's Middle East policy, including its effects on various actors and the overall regional stability, is crucial for understanding the future of the region. To delve deeper into the intricacies of this complex issue, continue your research on Trump's Middle East policy and its far-reaching consequences.