Tuesday, 02 January 2024 12:17 GMT

John Bolton raises questions about leaders in Middle East seizing opportunities to secure peace, stability


(MENAFN) John Bolton, former U.S. National Security Adviser, raises important questions about whether leaders in the Middle East will seize the opportunities available to secure lasting peace and stability. He criticizes the lack of clarity in the new U.S. administration’s approach and warns that President Donald trump himself may be one of the biggest uncertainties, as he often relies on deal-making and improvisation rather than well-thought-out strategies. The Middle East is currently undergoing rapid, historic changes, with the collapse of Bashar al-Assad's Regime in Syria marking a significant moment. Trump’s inauguration as president is expected to further accelerate these developments, but the key question remains: will the major players capitalize on the present opportunities for lasting peace? Despite the complexity of the challenges, Bolton suggests that leaders should take inspiration from the ancient Roman idea that “luck stands for the brave.”

One of the main uncertainties, according to Bolton, is Trump himself. While Trump was seen as strongly pro-Israel during his first term, evident in his decision to move the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem and recognize Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, Bolton cautions that this approach may not continue in his second term. For instance, Trump’s criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, especially over Netanyahu’s congratulation of Joe Biden for winning the 2020 election, suggests a more complicated dynamic between the two leaders. Bolton highlights that Trump’s view of Netanyahu was not always as favorable as it seemed. Trump’s tendency to focus on deal-making, even with adversaries like Iran, could become the most defining feature of his Middle East policy. Bolton recounts an instance when Trump was nearly set to meet Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif during the 2019 G7 summit, a meeting that Bolton strongly advised against. Although Trump ultimately did not meet Zarif, this moment exemplifies Trump’s improvisational approach to international relations.

Bolton also notes that Trump’s pressure on Israel led to a breakthrough in the long-standing deadlock between Hamas and Israel, eventually leading to a ceasefire and the release of hostages. Despite this, Bolton questions whether Trump fully understands the complexities of the ongoing process and whether Biden’s more cautious approach might ultimately prove more successful in the long run.

MENAFN03022025000045015687ID1109160354


Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.