Former Washington ambassador to Egypt and Israel, Daniel Kurtzer, considered that US President-elect Donald Trump is working to form a government that “will only create problems for him in the Middle East.”
Ambassador Kurtzer added, in an interview with CNN: “As you know, we are in an exceptional moment with a president-elect who probably has the most important mandate of almost any president in his history: the popular vote, the electoral vote, the Senate, the House of Representatives, And a very significant majority in the Supreme Court.”
He said: “It seems that the president-elect is forming a government determined to undermine the way the government works. Certainly, the government needs reform, but if you look at the various candidates for the positions of the Trump administration, they are in the category of those who want to demolish rather than build.”
The former ambassador continued: “When it comes to the Middle East, if he really wants to achieve a ceasefire and some degree of return to normal life, he will have to pay some attention to what his advisors are saying, what his spokesmen are saying, and he will have to put some influence behind American policy.” Towards Israel and towards the Arabs who have influence over Hamas.
Last updated: November 21, 2024 – 14:45
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What impact could President-elect Trump’s foreign policy have on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Ambassador Daniel Kurtzer
Time.news Editor: Good afternoon, Ambassador Kurtzer. Thank you for joining us today. Your extensive experience as a former Washington ambassador to both Egypt and Israel provides a unique perspective on the current political climate. Let’s dive right in. You mentioned in a recent interview that you believe President-elect Trump is forming a government that could lead to significant issues in the Middle East. Could you elaborate on that?
Daniel Kurtzer: Thank you for having me. Yes, I believe we are indeed at a critical juncture. President-elect Trump has a unique opportunity—the most significant mandate of any incoming president in a long time. However, the selection of his advisors and officials in this sensitive region has raised concerns among many experts, including myself.
Time.news Editor: What are some of the specific concerns you have regarding his potential appointments?
Daniel Kurtzer: Well, many of the individuals considered for key positions have very little experience in Middle Eastern diplomacy or an understanding of the complexities involved. Such an approach can lead to decisions that are lacking in nuance, which could exacerbate tensions rather than alleviate them.
Time.news Editor: It sounds like there’s a great deal of skepticism about the effectiveness of his administration’s foreign policy direction. Can you give us an example of how this could manifest practically in the region?
Daniel Kurtzer: Certainly. Take, for instance, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. If the administration carries on with a hardline rhetoric and chooses to neglect traditional diplomatic avenues, it could alienate not just the Palestinians but also moderate Arab leaders who are essential for any peace process. A failure to engage these actors could lead to further instability.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned the importance of traditional diplomatic avenues. In your view, what strategies might be effective for the new administration to pursue, considering the current climate?
Daniel Kurtzer: They will need to embrace dialog and show a genuine commitment to understanding the historical context of conflicts in the region. Building relations with a broader spectrum of regional players, rather than relying solely on traditional allies, would also be crucial. Furthermore, demonstrating a balanced approach towards Israeli and Palestinian interests could foster a more favorable environment for peace.
Time.news Editor: It sounds like building bridges is essential. With the current geopolitical landscape being so volatile, what do you think the immediate future looks like for U.S. relations in the Middle East under the Trump administration?
Daniel Kurtzer: The immediate future holds a mixture of opportunities and challenges. If the administration moves toward inclusivity and prioritizes diplomatic engagement, we could see a stabilization of relationships. Conversely, failure to adapt could deepen existing conflicts, leading to a more entrenched divide. It’s a complex balancing act.
Time.news Editor: Thank you for your insights, Ambassador Kurtzer. It’s clear that the implications of U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East under the new administration will be far-reaching. Your analysis will certainly spark important conversations.
Daniel Kurtzer: Thank you for having me. It’s essential that we continue to discuss and analyze these developments as they unfold. The stakes are high, and the world is watching.