Trump's Middle East Policy

Abstract
This article critically examines the Middle East policy of Former us President Donald trump , main focus is on primary aspects , implications and outcomes . Middle East holds a special position due to strategic location , history and natural resources .Middle East economy is dominated by oil production , mining , agriculture and tourism with countries like Qatar , Kuwait and United Arab Emirates. Complex international politics in Middle East include wars , conflict ( Israel Palestine Conflict ) and tension in Iran , Iraq , Yemen and Hamas . Trump marked a substantial change in US Foregin policy concentrating on unilateralism ( independent action ) , nationalism and transnational approach economic based market driven approach to international Realtions. The article scrutinize Trump’s policy toward countries like Saudi Arabia , Israel , Palestine, Iran ,Iraq , Syria and assesses their impact on territorial integrity and security. Trump policy had profound effects including strained relations with Israel and Saudi Arabia and a standstill realtion in Israel Palestine Conflict .

Introduction
Middle East has traditionally been a vital region for US Foreign Policy with United State playing a significant role in substantial dynamics . During his presidency , Donald trump introduced a new approach to Middle East characterized by concentrating on unilateralism ( independent action) , nationalism and transactioanl approach, economic based market driven approach . Donald trump’s transnational diplomacy approach is prioritizing US benefits in terms of trade and economics. This article is critically analyzing Trump’s Middle East Policy , it’s key features , results and outcomes Literature Review
The literature on trump’s middle east policy is comprehensive , wide range and diverse. With scholars , experts and analyst presenting standpoint on significance and impact . Some argues that trump policy marked a significant departure than his predecessors .With a focus on unilateralism and nationalism ( Haass R.N 2017 , walt 2018 ) . Others suggest that Trump’s policy were consistent with deep rooted Us interest in the region but with a more hostile approach . ( Byamnn .D 2018) .
Trump’s policy towards Iran was a key aspect of his Middle East policy with US withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action and reimposing sanctions ( Kartz 2018) . The Joint Comprehensive Plan Of Action was signed in 2015 , aimed to limit Iran’s nuclear capabilities .
Trump withdrawal from JCPOA in 2018 was justified by concern’s over deals limitations and Iran’s regional activities. This move was criticized by scholars and analyst who argued that it would lead it increase tensions and political instability in the region . ( Trita , 2019 )
After US withdrawal from JCPOA, trump administration exectued Maximum presume compagin , reinforce sanctions to compel Iran for renegotiation .
Abraham Accords as normalization agreement between Israel and Arab States as diplomatic breakthrough . Analyst note that while these accords reshaped regional alliance , also sidelined the Palestine issue . ( Indyk , 2020)
Trump’s policy towards Israel is also significant .
Trump recognized Jerusalem as Israel Capital and shifted Us embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem in Israel .
Donald trump in his recent trip of Middle East since returning to White House , announced flashy deals with Gulf leaders and to commit for lifting sanctions in Syria . But the big question remaining about Gaza and nuclear negotiation with Iran , the future of region and US role in unsettled .
In recent essay of foreign affairs and Stoul suggest that new region order could emerge from recent upheaval , but only when Washington takes the lead in what will undoubtedly be also an intricate political process . ( Foregin Affairs Eassy)
https://www.foreignaffairs.com/podcasts/can-trump-remake-middle-east
Methodology
This article uses a qualitative research approach illustrating variety including academic literature , policy documents , towards specific countries including Iran , Israel , Saudi Arabia and Palestine,asseses their impact on zone of security and stability.
Results and Discussion
The findings suggest that trump policy had broad implications including increased tensions with Iran and improvement in bilateral relations with Israel and Saudi Arabia . Withdrawal from JCPOA and reimposition of sanctions on Iran lead security issues and conflicts in regional stability .
Shift of Us embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem was a major symoblic gesture in support of Israel . ( Reynold 2019)
Trump’s administration policy towards Saudi Arabia was also significant . US is providing Military support to Saudi lead coalition Yemen and backing Saudi Arabia efforts to isolate Qatar . ( Gause , 2018) . However , this policy was criticized by human rights group . It increased suffering for civilians in Yemen and weaken effort to promote peace and stability in region . ( Al – Mareek, 2015)
Conclusion and Recommendations
In conclusion , Trump’s Middle East policy marked a substantial change in US Foregin Policy , concentrating on unilateral
lism ( independent action ) and transactioanl approach to international Realtions . Trump policy had far reaching consequences include increasing tensions in the region ( Iran , Iraq , Syria , Yemen ) and improvement in realtions with Saudi Arabia , Qatar , UAE and Israel.
Based on the analysis Recommendations can be made for future US policy in the middle East . We should improve realtions with international partners , European Allies nad regional organizations to promote cooperation band stability in the region . Us should reduce tensions in Middle East , reduce sanctions on Iran and work for promotion of peace and stability in the region . US should promte two state solution to Israel Palestine Conflict , supporting it’s sovereignty and freedom . Trump follows transactional approach. He will prefer economic gain for his country in terms trade and economy . US should aim for balanced policy combining strategic interest with diplomatic engagement and commitment to human rights .
References
– Books:
– Haass, R. N. (2017). A World in Disarray: American Foreign Policy and the Crisis of the Old Order. Penguin Press. (Available on Amazon or Penguin Press website)
– Gause, F. G. (2018). The International Relations of the Persian Gulf. Cambridge University Press. (Available on Cambridge University Press website)
– Gerges, F. A. (2018). The Obama Doctrine in the Middle East: Escape from Entrapment. Brookings Institution Press. (Available on Brookings Institution website)
– Journal Articles:
– Bouris, D. (2019). The Trump Administration’s Jerusalem Policy: A Critical Analysis. Journal of Palestine Studies, 48(2), 8-23. (Available on Oxford University Press website or JSTOR)
– Byman, D. (2018). Trump’s Middle East Policy: A Review. Survival, 60(2), 161-176. (Available on Taylor & Francis Online)
– Katz, M. N. (2018). Trump’s Iran Policy: A Critical Assessment. Middle East Policy, 25(3), 56-67. (Available on Wiley Online Library)
– Rynhold, J. (2019). Trump’s Jerusalem Embassy Move: A Turning Point in US-Israel Relations. Israel Journal of Foreign Affairs, 13(1), 35-47. (Available on Taylor & Francis Online)
– Trita, A. (2019). The Consequences of Trump’s Withdrawal from the JCPOA. Journal of International Affairs. (Available on Columbia University’s Journal of International Affairs website)

The author of research article is student of International Relations in International Islamic University Islamabad

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