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In the kaleidoscopic landscape of the Middle East, the election of Donald Trump has heralded a seismic shift. As the region grapples with the aftershocks of war and societal upheaval, Trump’s Mideast team is stepping onto the stage. Comprising a constellation of seasoned veterans and fresh faces, this ensemble promises both continuity and a bold new direction. In this article, we delve into the intricate tapestry of Trump’s Mideast team, examining its composition, priorities, and potential impact on the volatile region.
– Trumps Mideast Team: A Familiar Look for a Transformed Region
The Trump administration’s foreign policy team has assembled a group of seasoned diplomats and national security experts with deep experience in the Middle East, including many who served under President George W. Bush. The team includes:
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo: A former CIA director and Republican congressman from Kansas, Pompeo is a staunch supporter of Israel and a strong critic of Iran. He has also been a vocal advocate for withdrawing U.S. troops from Syria and Afghanistan.
National Security Advisor John Bolton: A former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations and a longtime foreign policy hawk, Bolton is known for his hawkish views on Iran and North Korea. He has also been a critic of the Iran nuclear deal.
Defense Secretary James Mattis: A retired Marine general, Mattis is a respected military leader with extensive experience in the Middle East. He has been a vocal advocate for increasing U.S. military spending and for taking a more aggressive approach to countering Iran.
CIA Director Gina Haspel: A career CIA officer, Haspel is the first woman to lead the agency. She has extensive experience in counterterrorism and has served in senior positions at the CIA’s Counterterrorism Center.
* U.S. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman: A bankruptcy lawyer and longtime Trump ally, Friedman is a strong supporter of Israel and a vocal critic of the Iran nuclear deal. He has also been a supporter of moving the U.S. embassy in Israel to Jerusalem.
– Reassessing Regional Strategy in a Changing Middle East
Although containing many holdovers from the Obama administration, the team Trump has assembled to lead U.S. policy in the Middle East is largely unfamiliar with the region and will face tremendous challenges. As the U.S. reconsiders its role in the region, regional powers such as Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Turkey have been busy reshaping the political landscape in their favor. The incoming team has some experience to draw on, but Middle East policy will require more than simply reverting to the past.
A number of experts warn that Trump’s team will have to carefully manage relations with the Gulf States and Israel without alienating other key regional actors. On the top of their to-do list is the Iran nuclear deal, a major foreign policy achievement for Obama. Trump has called the deal a “disaster” and has threatened to renegotiate or even scrap it. But doing so could alienate European allies and destabilize the region.
| Area of Concern | Relevant Experts on Team Trump |
| —————————————– |————————————- |
| Iran nuclear deal | Kelly, Tillerson |
| Gulf States | McMaster, Mattis |
| Israeli-Palestinian peace process | Greenblatt, Kushner |
| Counterterrorism | McMaster, Mattis |
| Syria | McMaster, Mattis |
– Preserving Stability and Promoting Prosperity in the Mideast
Previously familiar faces Jared Kushner and Jason Greenblatt will lead Trump’s Middle East peace team. They will be joined by lawyers David Friedman, Dina Powell and Arthur (Art) Haro.
These individuals have deep ties to Israel and, with the exception of Greenblatt, have voiced support for Israeli settlements. Their appointments have raised concerns among Palestinians that the United States will no longer be an impartial arbiter in peace talks.
| Position | Name |
|——|——|
| Senior Adviser to the President | Jared Kushner |
| Special Representative for International Negotiations | Jason Greenblatt |
| U.S. Ambassador to Israel | David Friedman |
| Deputy National Security Adviser for Strategy | Dina Powell |
| Senior Director for Intelligence Programs | Arthur (Art) Haro |
Wrapping Up
As the sands of the Middle East continue to shift, it remains to be seen what the future holds for the region. President Trump’s team of advisors, a familiar mix of veterans and newcomers, will play a crucial role in shaping America’s response to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Only time will tell whether their collective wisdom will be enough to navigate the complexities of a region undergoing profound transformation.
