Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed hope that Donald Trump, who won the US presidential election, will influence the situation in the region, including the war between Israel and Hamas terrorists.
The Turkish leader stressed that it would be a good move for Trump to limit security assistance to Israel and call for a cessation of hostilities.
Erdogan also said that he had invited the new US President on an official visit to Turkey and expressed confidence that such interaction could help resolve various conflicts, including the war in Ukraine.
In addition, he intends to discuss with Trump the issue of the withdrawal of American troops from Syria, considering this an important topic for the stability of the region.
Donald Trump is set to make sweeping changes to US policy, including a major overhaul of relations with Iran, in what sources say could be one of the biggest overhauls of American foreign policy in recent years.
The ex-president plans not only to change America’s approach in the international arena, but also to actively counteract the so-called “deep state”, in the existence of which he believes. According to CNN, Trump is going to fire thousands of government employees, including members of the diplomatic corps.
Trump has already chosen a key person to lead the transition process at the State Department: Brian Hook, who previously served as special envoy for Iran and was a supporter of tough sanctions against this country.
Hook noted that US sanctions have dealt a blow to the Iranian economy and Tehran’s financial capabilities, and the goal of this policy was not only to conclude a new deal with Iran, but also to weaken its economic power.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Middle East Political Expert
Editor: Welcome to Time.news, where we bring insight into today’s most pressing issues. Today, we’re diving deep into the geopolitical implications of the recent U.S. presidential election and its impact on the Middle East, especially the Israel-Hamas conflict. I’m joined by Dr. Amina El-Rahman, a renowned expert in Middle Eastern politics. Dr. El-Rahman, thank you for being here.
Dr. El-Rahman: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss these crucial developments.
Editor: Let’s start with the elephant in the room: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has expressed hope that Donald Trump’s reelection will bring positive changes to the situation in the region. What do you make of Erdogan’s optimism?
Dr. El-Rahman: Erdogan’s optimism is certainly noteworthy. Trump’s previous administration had a distinctive approach to the Middle East—particularly regarding Israel. His support for Israel, including the controversial relocation of the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem, significantly altered regional dynamics. Erdogan likely believes that a Trump presidency could lead to stronger U.S.-Turkey relations and a more favorable stance toward Turkish interests in the region.
Editor: That’s an interesting perspective. However, many view Trump’s policies as polarizing. Could this polarization affect Erdogan’s hopes for peace between Israel and Hamas?
Dr. El-Rahman: Absolutely. Trump’s foreign policy often operated on the idea of transactionalism, which may not necessarily align with the broader needs for diplomatic dialogue. If Trump were to take a hardline approach with Israel again, we could see a deepening of the conflict rather than a resolution. Erdogan’s hopes seem to hinge on a more reconciliatory approach, something that might not materialize given the current political climate.
Editor: So, you’re suggesting that while Erdogan’s hopes may be grounded in potential benefits for Turkey, the outcomes may not align with peace in the region. How do you see Trump’s relations with Israel impacting the state of affairs?
Dr. El-Rahman: Well, historically, Trump’s rapport with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has resulted in stronger ties and significant Israeli actions in Palestinian territories that have escalated tensions. Should Trump return to office, he might prioritize these relationships, potentially sidelining Palestinian concerns. This could inflame the existing conflict with Hamas, making peace even more elusive.
Editor: And let’s not forget the role of international coalitions. How might Erdogan’s aspirations for a U.S.-backed resolution resonate with other regional players?
Dr. El-Rahman: That’s a crucial point. While Erdogan may seek an alliance with the U.S. under Trump, other regional players like Iran or the Gulf states might react differently. Iran, particularly, has consistently supported Hamas and would likely view any pro-Israel stance from a Trump administration as a direct threat to their influence in the region. The delicate balance of power in the Middle East means that any U.S. engagement must consider these complexities.
Editor: It seems the geopolitical landscape is more intricate than it appears on the surface. As we look ahead, what key factors should we be monitoring as we anticipate the unfolding situation?
Dr. El-Rahman: Absolutely. Key factors include U.S. foreign policy direction, Israel’s military and political strategy toward Palestinians, international responses—particularly from Europe and Middle Eastern neighbors—and the internal dynamics within both Israel and Palestinian territories. We should also watch for shifts in Turkish foreign policy as Erdogan seeks to maximize Turkey’s role in the region.
Editor: Dr. El-Rahman, thank you for sharing your insights on this complex situation. It’s clear that the upcoming months will be pivotal in shaping the future landscape of the Middle East.
Dr. El-Rahman: Thank you for having me. It’s been a pleasure discussing such an important topic.
Editor: Be sure to stay tuned to Time.news for continued updates and analyses as the situation evolves.