In a turbulent world defined by power shifts, proxy wars, and fragile alliances, the Middle East remains the axis around which global energy security, religious identities, and strategic military decisions revolve. US President Donald Trump’s recent diplomatic engagements, particularly his high-profile visit to Saudi Arabia and neighboring Gulf states, signal what he hopes will be a recalibration of America’s role in the region. Framing himself as a disruptor of past interventionist paradigms, Trump proposed a vision that claims to bridge historic divides while, critics argue, merely repackages American interests in a new rhetorical garb.

Trump’s approach marks a distinct departure from his predecessors, especially the liberal internationalism of Barack Obama and the neoconservatism of George W. Bush. Instead of pursuing nation-building or enforcing democratic ideals, Trump’s Middle East doctrine is transactional, realist, and unapologetically rooted in American self-interest. During his speech in Riyadh, he famously denounced the concept of nation-building, remarking, “The so-called nation-builders wrecked far more nations than they built.” It was a sharp critique of seven decades of US foreign policy, encompassing wars in Iraq, interventions in Libya and Syria, and longstanding support for authoritarian regimes under the guise of promoting democracy.

Yet, while this rhetoric resonated with many in the Arab world weary of foreign interference, it also raised profound questions. Is America turning its back on values-based diplomacy? Or is it embracing a pragmatic approach that acknowledges regional realities without illusion?

Central to Trump’s vision is the repositioning of the Gulf states-particularly Saudi Arabia-as essential partners in a redefined American foreign policy strategy. These nations, once seen primarily through the lens of oil and arms deals, are now portrayed as pivotal players in global........

© Blitz