Deteriorating Relations: Trump, Israeli, and Iranian Leaderships Taint the Image of Practical Thinking
In the turbulent landscape of the Middle East, a series of significant events have unfolded over the past few weeks.
The plight of the Palestinians continues to be a contentious issue, with the rest of the world's interest waning due to the numerous crises that demand attention. Meanwhile, the Palestinian Authority's weakness and internal corruption have compounded the challenges faced by Palestinians in the occupied territories.
Iran, a key player in the region, has been making headlines for its actions. Tehran has defied the Lebanese state's sovereignty by openly opposing the disarmament of Hezbollah, and has shown reluctance in granting the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) full access to its nuclear sites. However, pragmatism has forced Iranian leaders to yield to European demands, albeit with attempts to restrict access to certain sites.
The US, on the other hand, is focusing on severing Iran's influence in the region, having already removed it from Syria. The Trump administration is now aiming to do the same in Lebanon. During his visit to Lebanon, US Senator Lindsey Graham floated the idea of a "joint defense pact" between Washington and Beirut, a proposal that, if implemented, could potentially protect Lebanon's religious diversity, particularly its Christian community.
The US is also applying pressure on Israel to commit to ending its occupation, under American, European, and Arab guarantees. The Trump administration, along with Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, sees Gaza's shoreline as a prime investment opportunity. They endorse Netanyahu's plan to annihilate Hamas, remove millions of Palestinians, establish security control over the enclave, and effectively annex it.
However, it's important to note that there is a difference between the proposed Riviera project in Gaza and what Mr. Trump's envoy to Syria and Lebanon has said about the reconstruction and development of southern Lebanon.
The situation in Gaza is also complicated by the Hamas-led October 7, 2023 attacks, which Israel is using as a pretext for a radical project to turn Gaza and the West Bank into exclusively Jewish land.
Iran, meanwhile, is growing increasingly alarmed by the dual threats of European sanctions and American and Israeli military strikes. The US President Donald Trump is fully supportive of Israel's vision and has discussed the "day after" in Gaza with his son-in-law Jared Kushner and former UK prime minister Tony Blair.
In conclusion, the Middle East continues to be a hotbed of political and military tensions, with the US, Israel, and Iran at the centre of many of these conflicts. The plight of the Palestinians, compounded by internal corruption and occupation, remains a significant issue that demands attention and resolution.
