Monday, April 16, 2018

A Trump Doctrine for the Middle East

It amounts to a Trump Doctrine for the Middle East.

"We cannot purge the world of evil or act everywhere there is tyranny," Trump averred, in stark contrast to John F. Kennedy's "Pay any price, bear any burden to assure the survival and the success of liberty." Instead, Trump was intent on downplaying expectations and limiting U.S. engagement: "No amount of American blood or treasure can produce lasting peace and security in the Middle East. It's a troubled place," he declared.

To protect the American people, Trump would complete the destruction of ISIS in Syria, "With but a small force." It would be up to America's regional friends to "Ensure that Iran does not profit from the eradication of ISIS." Indeed, Trump elaborated, "We have asked our partners to take greater responsibility for securing their home region." So much for the United States taking the lead in rolling back Iran's hegemonic gains in the Middle East, as Trump's scathing criticism of the Iran nuclear deal had implied.

Trump has in effect now declared that in the Middle East he will, just like his archrival Obama, lead from behind.

If Assad dares to use chemical weapons again, Trump made clear he'll bomb again.

His intent to leave Syria to its own devices was something Trump clearly signaled when he declared on March 29 that American troops would be departing there "Very soon." "Let other people take care of it," he told a rally of his supporters in Ohio, foreshadowing his more detailed remarks on Friday night.

He was making sure the Trump Doctrine for disengagement from the Middle East was accurately delivered.

https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2018/04/trump-syria-middle-east/558053/

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