The Inside Story Podcast
Has Donald Trump taken US-Gulf relations to a new era?
May 16, 2025
Giorgio Cafiero, CEO of Gulf State Analytics, Hassan Barari, Professor at Qatar University, and Alon Pinkas, former Israeli Ambassador to New York, delve into a transformative period for US-Gulf relations under Trump. They discuss the economic pledges made during Trump's Gulf tour and how Gulf nations may be shaping U.S. foreign policy. The conversation also touches on Israel's evolving role, missed diplomatic opportunities, and the regional tensions regarding Iran and the Gaza conflict, highlighting the complex interplay of alliances and interests.
25:12
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- The Trump administration is reshaping U.S.-Gulf relations by fostering deeper strategic alliances focused on economic and defense partnerships.
- Gulf states are increasingly unified in their regional stance, which complicates Israel's influence and necessitates a reassessment of its position within U.S. priorities.
Deep dives
The Rise of Tse Chi Lop
Tse Chi Lop, a Chinese-Canadian national, is reported to have built one of the largest drug trafficking empires in Asia, likened to the infamous El Chapo. His network allegedly operates with a sophisticated level of organization, utilizing various routes to control significant portions of the drug trade across multiple countries. He evaded law enforcement for years by using advanced techniques to facilitate distribution while maintaining a low profile. The episode delves into how his operations thrived amidst increasing global awareness of drug trafficking, raising questions about law enforcement's ability to combat such figures effectively.
