In an exclusive interview that's sending shockwaves through diplomatic circles, former President Donald Trump has made extraordinary claims about achieving Middle East peace while delivering scathing criticism of the current administration's handling of the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict.
'We Had Peace Within Our Grasp'
The former commander-in-chief didn't hold back during his conversation with the Daily Mail, asserting that his administration had brought the region closer to lasting peace than at any point in recent history. "We were right there," Trump declared, his tone both triumphant and frustrated. "We had it all worked out - the deals were done, the relationships were built."
Trump specifically highlighted the landmark Abraham Accords as his administration's crowning achievement in foreign policy. The historic agreements normalised relations between Israel and several Arab nations, including the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, creating what many analysts called a "new Middle East."
Pointed Criticism of Current Leadership
Without mentioning President Biden by name, Trump delivered a blistering assessment of current US foreign policy, suggesting that the deterioration in Middle East stability directly results from leadership changes in Washington. "Look at what's happening now," he stated, referencing the recent escalation of violence between Israel and Hamas. "It's a disgrace, an absolute disgrace."
The former president's comments come at a particularly sensitive time, with international mediators struggling to broker a lasting ceasefire and humanitarian organisations warning of catastrophic conditions in Gaza.
The Netanyahu Factor
Trump also addressed his relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, acknowledging their "very strong" partnership while hinting at complexities beneath the surface. The two leaders were famously close during Trump's presidency, with the former US leader making several unprecedented moves that delighted Israeli conservatives, including recognising Jerusalem as Israel's capital.
However, Trump revealed nuances in their relationship that haven't been widely discussed, suggesting that even their much-publicised alliance had its challenging moments behind closed doors.
What This Means for Future Peace Efforts
Political analysts are closely examining Trump's statements for clues about how he might approach the Middle East if he returns to power. His unwavering support for Israel combined with his claims of unique diplomatic abilities suggests a potential second Trump administration would pursue an even more ambitious Middle East agenda.
Yet critics question whether Trump's approach genuinely addresses the conflict's root causes or simply manages symptoms through high-profile diplomatic ceremonies. The ongoing violence demonstrates how quickly apparent progress can unravel when underlying tensions remain unresolved.
As the 2024 election landscape takes shape, Trump's Middle East record and future intentions are likely to become central themes in foreign policy debates, with both parties recognising the region's critical importance to global stability and American interests abroad.
