Trump's Relationships With Arab Leaders: A Look At His Diplomacy

Chloe Fitzgerald

5 min read

Post on May 17, 2025

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Key Relationships and Approaches

Trump's engagement with Arab leaders was multifaceted, characterized by a mix of cooperation, confrontation, and a distinct diplomatic style. Analyzing his relationships with key players reveals much about his overall approach to Middle Eastern foreign policy.

The Abraham Accords and Normalization

The Abraham Accords stand as a prominent achievement of Trump's Middle East diplomacy. These normalization agreements, signed between Israel and several Arab nations – the UAE, Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan – represent a significant shift in regional dynamics. Trump played a pivotal role in brokering these deals, leveraging his unique negotiating style and personal relationships to overcome long-standing obstacles.

• Key Players Involved: Trump himself, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (UAE), King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa (Bahrain), King Mohammed VI (Morocco), and Abdel Fattah al-Burhan (Sudan).
• Timeline of Negotiations: The negotiations were relatively swift, accelerating significantly under Trump's administration after years of stalled progress.
• Short-Term and Long-Term Impacts: The Accords led to increased economic and diplomatic cooperation between Israel and the signatory nations, potentially fostering greater regional stability. However, long-term implications remain uncertain, especially regarding the Palestinian issue and the broader Arab-Israeli conflict.
• Criticisms of the Process: Critics argue that the Accords prioritized Israeli interests and neglected the Palestinian cause, undermining the broader peace process.

Relationships with Saudi Arabia

Trump cultivated a close relationship with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), despite concerns over human rights issues. This relationship was characterized by significant arms sales, energy cooperation, and collaboration on counter-terrorism efforts.

• Positive Aspects of the Relationship: Increased arms sales boosted the US defense industry, and energy cooperation ensured a stable oil supply. Counter-terrorism cooperation was a shared priority.
• Points of Contention (e.g., Human Rights): Trump's administration faced criticism for its apparent prioritization of strategic interests over human rights concerns in its dealings with Saudi Arabia, particularly regarding the Khashoggi assassination.
• Economic Ties between the US and Saudi Arabia: The relationship involved significant economic interdependence, making any shifts in the relationship impactful for both countries.

Engagement with Egypt and Other Key Players

Trump's interactions with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and other Arab leaders, such as those in Jordan and other Gulf states, were similarly characterized by a pragmatic, results-oriented approach.

• Specific Examples of Diplomatic Initiatives: This included continued US aid to Egypt, ongoing security cooperation, and discussions regarding regional stability.
• Challenges Faced in Maintaining Stable Relationships: The inherent complexities and competing interests within the region often posed challenges to maintaining consistently stable relationships.
• Contrasting Approaches with Previous Administrations: Trump's approach differed from previous administrations that often emphasized human rights and multilateral diplomacy more prominently.

Trump's Diplomatic Style and its Impact

Trump’s unique diplomatic approach significantly shaped his interactions with Arab leaders.

Transactional Diplomacy and its Consequences

Trump's transactional diplomacy, characterized by a focus on immediate deals and mutual benefits, profoundly influenced his foreign policy.

• Examples of Transactional Agreements: The Abraham Accords are a prime example of a transactional deal focused on achieving immediate normalization without fully resolving underlying regional conflicts.
• Critiques of this Method: Critics argued this approach neglected long-term strategic considerations and risked undermining established alliances.
• The Impact on Long-Term Strategic Alliances: This style could potentially weaken long-term partnerships based on shared values and interests.

Emphasis on Bilateral Deals vs. Multilateralism

Trump's preference for bilateral agreements over multilateral engagements altered regional dynamics.

• Examples of Bilateral Agreements: Arms deals and other strategic partnerships negotiated on a case-by-case basis.
• The Consequences of Neglecting Multilateral Institutions: This approach risked weakening international cooperation mechanisms and the effectiveness of collective efforts on issues like climate change, terrorism, and economic development.
• The Effect on Regional Cooperation: A focus on bilateral deals could potentially hinder regional cooperation and joint efforts to address shared challenges.

Assessing the Legacy of Trump's Arab Diplomacy

Trump’s Middle East legacy is complex and requires a nuanced assessment of both short-term gains and potential long-term consequences.

Short-Term Gains vs. Long-Term Sustainability

The Abraham Accords represent a significant short-term achievement, but their long-term sustainability remains uncertain.

• Potential Long-Term Risks: The agreements may not be durable without addressing underlying issues and ensuring broader regional participation.
• The Sustainability of Agreements Made: Whether the agreements withstand shifts in regional power dynamics or changes in US foreign policy remains to be seen.
• The Legacy of the Trump Administration's Approach: The transactional approach may leave a legacy of diminished multilateral cooperation and a focus on short-term gains over long-term strategic partnerships.

Impact on US Interests and Regional Stability

Trump's diplomacy’s impact on US interests and regional stability is multifaceted.

• Positive and Negative Impacts on US Interests: While the Abraham Accords bolstered US standing in the region, the transactional style created uncertainties concerning the long-term stability of the agreements and the commitment of the partners.
• The Effect on Regional Conflicts: The Trump administration's approach might have inadvertently exacerbated some conflicts or missed opportunities for conflict resolution.
• The Long-Term Effects on US Credibility: The unpredictability of Trump's diplomacy may have had lasting effects on US credibility and its ability to foster strong and reliable partnerships in the Middle East.

Conclusion:

Trump's approach to diplomacy with Arab leaders was undeniably unconventional, characterized by a transactional style and emphasis on bilateral deals. While the Abraham Accords represent a notable achievement, the long-term consequences of his actions are still unfolding. This article has explored the key relationships, his distinctive diplomatic style, and the potential lasting effects on regional stability and US interests. To gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of Trump's Middle East diplomacy and its influence on Arab-American relations, further research and continuous monitoring of developments in US-Arab relations are essential.