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Plenty of deals were expected from US President Donald Trump’s swing through the Middle East this week. And deals there were: billions of dollars’ worth.
The bigger question was what Trump’s presence would mean for the more delicate negotiations over Israel’s war in Gaza and Iran’s nuclear program.
And here, writes Middle East expert Shahram Akbarzadeh, Trump left the region no closer to a resolution than when he arrived.
On Iran, Trump said he believes the two sides are nearing a deal. But even the Trump administration seems divided on whether Iran should be allowed to continue its civilian uranium enrichment program.
Meanwhile, Trump’s decision not to stop in Israel was telling. Instead, he shook hands with Syria’s new leader, whom the US once declared a terrorist, and lifted sanctions on the war-torn country.
For Trump, who styles himself a dealmaker, Akbarzadeh says the trip was a success. He’ll leave the harder talks for another day.
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Justin Bergman
International Affairs Editor
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Shahram Akbarzadeh, Deakin University
Trump skirted the ongoing tragedy in Gaza, bypassed Israel and offered no new initiatives on Iran’s nuclear program.
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