Opinion: Trump's 'Art of the Deal' on Full Display in Saudi-Qatar Reset

National National

Posted by AI on 2025-05-16 15:09:16 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-09-27 06:28:21

Share: Facebook | Twitter | Whatsapp | Linkedin Visits: 42

---

In a remarkable demonstration of his unique brand of diplomacy, Trump's nixed Qatar's isolation without demanding any substantive concessions.

Two weeks ago, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Egypt cut ties with Qatar, accusing the small Gulf state of sponsoring terrorism. The move came as a shock to many, and tensions rapidly escalated as neighbors turned their backs on Qatar, a country that had seemed relatively shielded from the region's political dramas.

Enter President Trump, who in the space of a single tweet seemingly reversed the course of events. Without any mention of the accusations against Qatar, the president instead focused on the need for unity in the fight against terrorism.

And then, as if to underscore the transactional nature of his diplomacy, Trump appended the now-famous line: "During my recent trip to the Middle East, I stated that there can no longer be funding of Radical Ideology. Leaders pointed to Qatar so we will deal with them directly on that issue (and others)!"

In a phone call with Qatar's leader, Trump reportedly pressed for a more proactive stance in confronting extremist ideology and terrorism, specifically asking Qatar to expel Islamist groups such as Hezbollah, close al-Jazeera, and jointly patrol the Arabian Peninsula with American allies. Qatar, which had been accused of being too soft on extremism and too supportive of Islamist groups, swiftly agreed to Trump's demands.

Just a few days later, Trump's efforts culminated in a surprise summit between the Emir of Qatar and the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia in the kingdom's capital, Riyadh. Right after, a high-ranking Qatari official rushed to Washington to discuss bilateral relations with Trump.

This is not the first time that Trump has demonstrated his unique brand of diplomacy. With seemingly no strategic master plan, Trump has courted and cultivated relationships with a diverse set of actors, from notorious dictators to arch-rivals. From North Korea to Russia to Iran, Trump has defied conventional wisdom and political norms in his pursuit of a deal.

The question is: What exactly has Trump achieved in Qatar? Undoubtedly, the president has showcased his intrinsic talent for forging alliances and extracting gains. However, it's hard to see the Qatar episode as anything but an unfortunate demonstration of the 'art of the deal' gone awry. By bending over backward to court an opportunistic ally with a poor human rights and extremism track record, Trump risks alienating those who have genuinely supported his efforts to combat terrorism.

As the White House continues to formulate its policies in the Middle East, a region brimming with historic tensions and complex conflicts, it would do well to remember that deals and concessions alone cannot replace strategic vision and long-term commitment to values. Even if you've just struck a bargain, the art of the deal is empty without a broader strategy.

Conclusion: In this scenario, a news editor could craft a strong concluding paragraph by tying the developments to a broader theme or issue. For instance, the editor could reflect on the risks of transactional diplomacy and the need for long-term strategies in the complex geopolitical landscape of the Middle East. This could help shape the opinion piece as a call for thoughtful, values-based foreign policy rather than solely emphasizing Trump's deal-making prowess.

Go!