By James M. Dorsey
The Middle East may not preoccupy Donald J. Trump. Still, the president-elect preoccupies the Middle East as it attempts to figure out how he will handle the wars ravaging Gaza and Lebanon and threatening to spark an all-out conflagration between Israel and Iran.
Middle Eastern views run the gamut from optimism that Mr. Trump will strengthen Arab autocracy and cut a deal with Iran to pessimism that he will give Israel carte blanche to do what it wants to suggestions that the president-elect could move the region away from the brink.
The truth is likely to be in the middle.
Please read further, listen to the podcast, or watch the video at https://jamesmdorsey.substack.com/p/the-middle-east-doesnt-preoccupy