Conversations with Bill Kristol Eric Edelman on Trump in the Middle East—and a Dangerous World
May 21, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Eric Edelman, a former ambassador and Under Secretary of Defense, shares insights on Donald Trump's foreign policy in the Middle East. He critiques the chaotic nature of Trump's strategy, emphasizing his transactional approach during trips to Saudi Arabia and beyond. Edelman highlights concerns about AI technology transfers to the UAE and the complexities of U.S. military actions in Yemen. He also delves into the volatile dynamics between Israel and Iran, pointing out the unstructured decision-making that complicates U.S. foreign relations.
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Trump's Transactional Foreign Policy Symbol
- Trump's Middle East trip symbolized by the Qatari luxury plane shows his lack of a coherent foreign policy doctrine. - The trip was primarily transactional, reflecting Trump's personal style rather than traditional statecraft.
Qatar's Strategic and Personal Relations
- Qatar's relationship with the U.S. mixes strategic defense interests with complex political sponsorships in the region. - Trump's personal ties with the Qatari ruling family reflect a shift from established government-to-government diplomacy.
Uncertainty in Middle East Deals
- Investment deals announced during Trump's trip aggregated large sums, but much was pre-existing and actual realization is uncertain. - The announced $142 billion in Saudi arms deals represents roughly 15% of Saudi Arabia's defense budget over a decade, a potentially significant figure.