Trump's Middle East Blitz: $200 Billion Deals, Camel Parades, and a Jihadist Tea Party!

2025-05-14 18:01:07.602

President Donald Trump's Middle East tour has been nothing short of eventful. His trip began with a lavish welcome in Qatar, highlighted by a $200 billion deal for Qatar to purchase 160 Boeing jets. This comes amidst concerns regarding Trump's reported plan to accept a Qatari plane as Air Force One. In Riyadh, Trump met with interim Syrian leader Ahmad al-Sharaa, a former jihadist, a day after announcing plans to lift sanctions on Syria. The meeting was hailed as historic and included discussions on counterterrorism and cooperation. Trump also expressed interest in mediating a meeting between Ukrainian President Zelensky and Russian President Putin in Turkey. Meanwhile, back in the US, Trump's administration faces questioning from lawmakers regarding their policies, including the potential suspension of habeas corpus. The trip included a formal arrival ceremony in Doha with camels and Tesla Cybertrucks. Trump also praised his meetings with Al-Sharaa, calling him a "great" and "tough guy." The president continuously expressed interest in a possible meeting between Zelensky and Putin in Turkey, stating Putin would like him to be there. Trump also discussed secondary sanctions on Russia, stating he is always considering them. The trip also involved meetings with Gulf Cooperation Council leaders, where Trump criticized his predecessor, Joe Biden, and claimed the 2020 election was rigged. A high-level Israeli delegation met with US envoys in Doha for ceasefire and hostage talks. Trump's actions have been described as a major shift in US foreign policy, with some suggesting it reflects a new "Trump Doctrine." The visit also included numerous defense and trade agreements between the US and several Gulf states, including a significant defense partnership between the US and Saudi Arabia. Despite the busy schedule, Trump's trip notably omitted a visit to Israel.