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The National
7 days ago
- Politics
- The National
Donald Trump's disregard for realpolitik will have dire consequences
The problem with US President Donald Trump's political optimism lies in his use of rhetoric that evokes a sense of accomplishment while distracting from failures and obstacles. He and his inner circle appear to be repeating ungrounded promises or espousing optimism that is detached from realpolitik. Whether this communication strategy involves deliberate deception or is driven by sheer determination, its negative consequences are real. The Trump administration, its envoys and cabinet members alike, would do well to acknowledge them in order to correct course. The cornerstone of Mr Trump's Middle East strategy remains the 'Deal of the Century'. He's been developing it since his first term in office, as he seeks to refashion US relations with the region. While securing the support of key Arab states remains fundamental to achieving his goal of full normalisation between Israel and the Arab world, Mr Trump aims to expand this normalisation to include Turkey and Iran. Some may argue that Mr Trump's persistence in pushing forward his political objectives is more than mere political optimism; rather it is a coherent strategy grounded in patience and resolve, bordering on what could be called strategic stubbornness. And that he is determined to find a way out of the impasse created by Israel's categorical rejection of the two-state solution in its traditional form. Following multiple meetings between the US President and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu – after which Mr Netanyahu left Washington with financial aid, weapons, and political and logistical support for any track Israel desired – hints emerged that Israel might accept a quasi-state for Palestinians in Gaza, on the condition that Israel retains full security control over the territory. Mr Netanyahu made clear that he was unconcerned with whether the world would view such an arrangement as a 'real state' but that what mattered to him was the appearance of a solution. Mr Netanyahu insisted that Hamas must disarm, or else face continued Israeli military operations, regardless of the planned 60-day ceasefire. Steve Witkoff, Mr Trump's Middle East envoy, has been tasked with the Gaza and Iran files. Yet the man working to implement the Deal of the Century from behind the scenes is Mr Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner. But these are men known for dealmaking in real estate ventures, hence the idea of transforming Gaza into a Riviera – as Mr Trump proposed earlier this year – resurfaced again during Mr Netanyahu's recent visit to Washington. This may explain why Mr Trump insisted that a ceasefire is imminent in Gaza, why Mr Witkoff is working on achieving a 60-day truce, and why Mr Kushner is working on the Deal of the Century. The victims of this open-ended optimism are ordinary Gazans, caught between Israel's determination to annihilate them, America's readiness to displace them and Hamas's use of them as a bargaining chip to advance its own interests. Meanwhile, Thomas Barrack, the US ambassador to Turkey, is playing an active role in implementing the Syrian component vital to the Deal of the Century. This component is being openly broadcasted in direct and indirect negotiations between Syria and Israel to settle their border disputes with eventual diplomatic normalisation in mind. While much of the Arab world is making progress towards normalising relations with Israel, Iran is preventing progress. It has prohibited its proxy Hezbollah in Lebanon from surrendering its weapons to the state or agreeing to border demarcation between Lebanon and Israel. It also opposes border demarcation between Syria and Israel, as keeping borders open facilitates its land bridge with Hezbollah. The Trump-Witkoff duo is working to reformulate US-Iran relations, and they don't want the issue of Tehran's proxies to derail their nuclear-focused agenda. Political optimism towards Iran is leading Mr Trump's team to overlook Iran's dangerous entanglements with its regional clients. This Trump administration has also avoided confronting Iran over its differences with the International Atomic Energy Agency, which Tehran has blocked from operating within Iran pending guarantees regarding the safety of its nuclear facilities. This is because Iran is pressing ahead with restoring its nuclear programme. The victims of this open-ended optimism are ordinary Gazans Tehran is taking advantage of Mr Witkoff's eagerness to resume negotiations, setting astonishing conditions simply to return to the table. It is doing this to delay talks that might tie its hands or force it to allow inspectors to observe past and present activities. Iran's goal remains to buy time while it puts its house in order on the nuclear, missile, proxy and domestic fronts. It needs time, and Mr Trump's political optimism suits it perfectly. Tehran is now embracing an old Russian proposal – a compromise between Moscow's insistence on Iran's sovereign right to enrich highly enriched uranium on its soil and its acknowledgment of American, Israeli and European anxieties over Iran stockpiling this uranium. Russia's offer is to transfer the excess uranium to its territory. Mr Witkoff, also tasked with the Russia file, may find it appealing to let Moscow use the Iran nuclear issue as leverage to improve its standing with the US. But European powers won't agree to Russia's role in the matter, given the bitter fallout from Russian-Iranian co-operation in the Ukraine war. It won't be easy for Mr Trump to abandon his strategy of political optimism, particularly because realpolitik doesn't favour him. He prefers making lofty promises over conceding that his policies have yet to yield striking success anywhere. Even when he sent B-2 bombers to destroy Iran's nuclear infrastructure, he still ended up offering Tehran concessions to secure a ceasefire. Indeed, Iran got Mr Trump to withdraw his demand for unconditional surrender. It secured American guarantees that its establishment would remain in power, in exchange for co-ordinating its retaliatory attacks in such a way as to ensure no harm would come to US soldiers stationed in the region. It now holds the upper hand in its dealings with the Trump administration, setting the terms for negotiations – or the lack thereof – while preventing any international monitoring of its nuclear or missile programmes and dictating terms to its proxies. None of this changes the fact that Iran remains weak, and that it still fears military operations or targeted assassinations at Israel's hands. Moreover, Mr Netanyahu has secured from Mr Trump an implicit green light for Israel to resume operations against Iran should its intelligence services conclude that Tehran has restarted its nuclear activities. Nonetheless, Mr Trump's political optimism isn't working. It would be better for him to revert to his trademark blunt rhetoric, if only because it is clearer and less cloaked in fig leaves.
LBCI
11-07-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
President Aoun reaffirms state's sole authority over arms, rejects normalization, and urges unity
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun stressed the importance of national unity and cooperation between all political factions and the state during a meeting with a delegation from the Arab and International Affairs Council. He said such collaboration is essential to protect Lebanon, strengthen its institutions, and confront potential conspiracies. 'The decision to ensure the exclusivity of weapons in the hands of the state has been made and is irreversible,' Aoun stated. 'The authority to decide on matters of war and peace belongs solely to the Cabinet. Peace, for us, is the absence of war, and that is our current priority in Lebanon. As for normalization [with Israel], it is not on the table in Lebanon's current foreign policy.' President Aoun also emphasized Lebanon's commitment to maintaining good relations with Syria while underlining a mutual respect for the principle of non-interference in each other's internal affairs. He praised the role of Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, noting his contribution to preserving stability, supporting state-building efforts, and reinforcing the principle of exclusive arms under state authority.
The National
11-07-2025
- Politics
- The National
Ending the Gaza war needs to be an international priority
A chance to end hostilities in Gaza I write in reference to Mina Aldroubi's article WFP ready for another surge in aid for Gaza if sides agree to ceasefire (July 9): with a tenuous ceasefire in place between Israel and Iran, it is good to see renewed efforts to end the hostilities in Gaza as well. US President Donald Trump and leaders of the Arab world have played an energetic role in trying to secure peace in the Middle East; their efforts must not be allowed to come to a naught. People continue to die in Gaza, waiting for medicines, food and water. Is this right? Even some aid workers have been killed. Who can assuage the pain and loss of those bereaved? The world cannot turn a blind eye to the people of Gaza, who have lost family members and homes. They have a right to live and be treated like human beings. Many people dedicate their lives to saving animals. Surely, we need to also save fellow human beings in anguish. A number of countries are exploring space, the Moon and Mars these days. This is important, but should we not prioritise solving problems on planet Earth? Rajendra Aneja, Dubai Dubai is walking the walk on child safety I write in reference to the article Dubai setting up a specialised division for child protection (June 30): in today's world, where child abuse and harassment are sadly on the rise, the decision by the Dubai government to establish a dedicated child protection division is a commendable and much-needed step. While the international community continues to advocate for children's safety and rights, Dubai's initiative demonstrates strong administrative will and a proactive approach to protecting the well-being of children. It reflects a deep commitment to safeguarding the most vulnerable members of society and ensuring a secure, nurturing environment for their growth and development. This move not only aligns with global standards but also sets a positive example for other nations to prioritise child protection through focused policies and dedicated institutions. One can hope this initiative leads to more awareness, better reporting systems, stricter law enforcement, and ultimately, a safer future for all children. K Ragavan, Bengaluru, India Clarification on 'Muslim Vote' campaign Your thoughtful examination of the 7/7 attacks' impact on British Muslims deserves clarity on one point: the Muslim Council of Britain played no role in the 'Muslim Vote' campaign as was originally suggested. The campaign's objective runs counter to the MCB's constitutional obligation to be a non-partisan, cross-sectarian umbrella organisation advocating full democratic participation by British Muslims. Like other faith communities, we highlight policies affecting our community whilst categorically rejecting terrorism and extremism. You quote a former MP as the source for the accusations against us. We are sorry that he was roundly rejected by his constituents and that he now seeks to blame the MCB for his electoral misfortunes. We suggest more honest introspection on his part. On this anniversary, it remains curious that some would criticise an organisation championing freedom and democratic values whilst promoting the very stifling of civic participation that extremists themselves advocate.
Zawya
20-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Egypt's minister urges stronger public-private partnerships for Arab green transition
Egypt's Environment Minister Yasmine Fouad has called for deeper collaboration between governments and the private sector across the Arab world to accelerate the region's transition to a green economy, warning that ongoing conflicts must not obscure pressing sustainability challenges such as food and water security. Speaking at the opening session of the Arab Sustainability Expo, held in Cairo from 18–20 May, Fouad emphasized that the gathering represented more than just a digital platform or institutional effort. 'This is a strong signal that the Arab ambition for a better future remains alive,' she said. The event, held under the auspices of the Arab League and organized by the Sustainability Partners Coalition, convened government leaders, private sector stakeholders, and international organizations to advance regional integration on the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 'Sustainability is not just environmental—it also involves integrating social and economic dimensions,' Fouad noted, highlighting how rapid digitization and the impacts of climate change disproportionately affect vulnerable communities. She underscored the need to align environmental goals with economic incentives to attract private investment. Fouad cited Egypt's updated investment law, which offers targeted incentives across four key green sectors: renewable energy, green hydrogen, waste management, and alternatives to single-use plastic bags. During a panel titled 'Effective Partnerships for a Sustainable Future,' Fouad called for reducing bureaucratic hurdles and rebranding the environment as an investment opportunity. She pointed to Egypt's renewable energy sector as a model of success, referencing the introduction of feed-in tariffs in 2015 and subsequent regulatory adjustments that have boosted private sector participation. Fouad also detailed Egypt's progress in securing climate finance, with $470m mobilized for clean energy projects through global mechanisms such as the Green Climate Fund, Adaptation Fund, and Global Environment Facility. To streamline green investments, the Environment Ministry has established a dedicated Environmental and Climate Investment Unit to coordinate between funding sources and stakeholders. The ministry has also launched a national climate investment platform, highlighting 62 project opportunities spanning small, medium, and large-scale initiatives in partnership with local banks. Fouad noted that Egypt's first climate finance initiative, launched in 2019, provided technical support through the Central Bank of Egypt to train domestic banks on distinguishing between sustainable development and climate-related investments. She added that Egypt's national climate strategy to 2050 and a corresponding 2030 action plan prioritize integrated projects across energy, water, and agriculture to enhance resilience and attract blended finance. The Arab Sustainability Expo serves as a regional platform for showcasing innovative solutions and best practices in green technologies, environmental governance, and inclusive development. The forum includes participation from Arab ministers, major financial institutions, and leading companies from Egypt, Jordan, and the Gulf.
