'Drive them out': Trump calls on Muslims to share burden in terror fight, North Korea fires second ballistic missile in a week, First on CNN: Comey now believes Trump was trying to influence him, source says
May 21, 2017
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This episode features Robin Wright, a renowned journalist and scholar of the Middle East, and Elliot Abrams, a U.S. Middle East policy expert. They discuss President Trump's controversial speech in Saudi Arabia, calling for Muslim countries to take action against extremism. The conversation highlights the tension between Trump's military-focused rhetoric and the deeper social issues affecting relations with Muslim nations. The panel delves into the implications of Trump's outreach and the complex geopolitical landscape, including the urgent need for unity against terrorism.
Trump's speech marked a notable shift towards a conciliatory tone regarding Islam, emphasizing a collective fight against terrorism rather than a religious conflict.
The speech presented a focus on military cooperation and economic ties rather than on democracy or human rights, raising concerns about U.S. support for repressive regimes.
Trump's framing of Iran as a key threat aimed to unify Muslim nations against extremism but risks escalating tensions and obstructing dialogue.
Deep dives
Trump's Approach to Islam
President Trump’s speech in Saudi Arabia marked a significant shift in his rhetoric regarding Islam, presenting a more conciliatory tone compared to previous statements that suggested animosity. During the speech, he emphasized that the conflict is not between religions but against terrorism, asserting a collective responsibility to combat extremism. This approach aims to foster a broader coalition among Muslim-majority nations in confronting issues like ISIS and Iranian influence. However, critics questioned the sincerity of this message given Trump's prior actions and policies, including the controversial travel ban perceived as targeting Muslim nations.
Regional Politics and Leadership Concerns
The speech unfolded against the backdrop of complex relationships within the Middle East, particularly between Sunni and Shia communities, notably Saudi Arabia and Iran. Leaders in attendance expressed a mix of curiosity and skepticism towards Trump's intentions, balancing regional stability and their domestic challenges in the face of extremism. The emphasis on stability over democracy seemed to resonate with many conservative regimes, yet it raised apprehensions about potential backlash from dissatisfied populations facing high unemployment and limited rights. As Trump sought to establish partnerships, the effectiveness of this approach in achieving long-term stability was met with cautious optimism from regional leaders.
Human Rights and Reform Omissions
A notable absence from Trump's address was any meaningful discourse on democracy, human rights, or political reform, issues critical to many within the region. Instead, the speech leaned heavily towards military cooperation and economic engagement, sidelining the societal factors that contribute to radicalization. Former administrations had made efforts to address the need for reform in the Arab world, but Trump's approach was more aligned with securing arms deals than promoting fundamental political changes. This omission raised concerns that the U.S. could inadvertently support repressive regimes while neglecting the voices of reformist movements in the region.
Iran's Role and the Perception of Threat
Trump's speech portrayed Iran as a central figure in the region's instability, linking the country directly to terrorism and extremism. This characterization reflects a continuation of a hardline U.S. stance towards Iran, diverging from the previous administration's efforts to engage diplomatically through the nuclear deal. By placing Iran alongside groups like ISIS and Al-Qaeda in terms of threat, Trump aimed to unify the gathered leaders under a common cause against a shared adversary. Such framing, however, risks escalating tensions further and could limit any potential for constructive dialogue or collaboration with Iran.
A Call for Unity Against Terrorism
Throughout the speech, Trump urged a unified response from Muslim nations to combat terrorism, emphasizing that the responsibility lies with them to eradicate extremist ideologies from their societies. He stressed the shared interest of all nations in ensuring a stable and prosperous future free from violence, framing the battle as one against 'barbaric criminals' rather than a clash of civilizations. This insistence on shared responsibility could foster regional collaboration but may also raise questions regarding the commitment of leaders to implement real change. In the end, the call for unity against terrorism was notably urgent, as Trump highlighted the devastating impact of extremism on innocent lives across the globe.
'Drive them out': Trump calls on Muslims to share burden in terror fight, North Korea fires second ballistic missile in a week, First on CNN: Comey now believes Trump was trying to influence him, source says
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