Trump Shifts Middle East Policy, Distances From Netanyahu

Former Biden administration officials have expressed a mix of admiration and concern over President Donald Trump's rapid policy shifts in the Middle East. In the past week, Trump lifted U.S. sanctions on Syria, brokered a ceasefire with Houthi forces in Yemen, secured the release of an Israeli-American hostage from Hamas, and negotiated major investment and arms deals with Gulf nations. Notably, Trump has distanced himself from Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and begun engaging more directly with Iran, Syria, and key Gulf states. Critics, including Democrats, acknowledge Trump's unique political freedom to act swiftly, a power they say was unavailable to previous presidents. While some praise the decisiveness of his approach, others question his motives and warn of the risks in breaking diplomatic norms. Despite concerns, there is broad agreement that Trump’s actions are significantly reshaping U.S. influence in the region.