[Choi Junyoung's World+] Easing Sanctions on Syria: Trump Shakes Up the Middle East Order

First US-Syria Summit in 25 Years
A Symbolic Shift in Middle East Diplomacy
Israel Deliberately Left Out

President Trump's tour of the Middle East is shaking up the region's political landscape. The escort of F-15 fighter jets and the opulent luncheon in a palace adorned with dazzling chandeliers were merely superficial displays of grandeur. The real diplomatic bombshell exploded in an unassuming reception room. There, Trump shook hands with Syrian President Ahmed Alshara, who until recently had a $10 million bounty on his head in the United States. This meeting marked the first face-to-face encounter between the leaders of the United States and Syria in 25 years, serving as a symbolic moment that clearly demonstrated Trump's new diplomatic direction in the Middle East.

Since the beginning of his presidency, Trump has delivered a consistent message. He has criticized the failures of the so-called "nation builders," and has not hesitated to admit that American interventionism has "destroyed" the region. Notably, Trump made the sudden decision to halt a seven-week bombing campaign against Yemen's Houthi rebels. This decision came after the Houthis agreed to stop attacking U.S. vessels and was made without prior notice to the Israeli government. Furthermore, during the process of securing the release of American hostage Ethan Alexander, who had been held by Hamas, Trump conducted independent negotiations, going against the explicit wishes of both Hamas and Israel.

On the surface, Trump's actions may appear contradictory. Just two months ago, he ordered an indefinite bombing campaign in Yemen and allowed Israel to resume its war in the Gaza Strip. However, underlying these actions is a clear political calculation. Trump prefers deals over wars. He is taking a pragmatic approach that seeks to maximize U.S. influence in the region while minimizing direct military intervention.

Donald Trump, President of the United States (center), is shaking hands with Ahmed Alshara, Interim President of Syria, on the 14th (local time) in Riyadh. On the far right is Mohammed, Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia. Photo by AP and Yonhap News.

One of Trump's greatest achievements in the Middle East was the Abraham Accords. Now, he is ambitiously seeking to expand them. However, his approach is markedly different from that of his predecessors. He listens more, lectures less, and challenges outdated conventions. His statement encouraging Saudi Arabia to pursue normalization with Israel "whenever it wants" has been interpreted as a signal that he respects the region's countries' own priorities.

Trump's boldest diplomatic gamble is undoubtedly his decision to ease sanctions on Syria. By calling Alshara?a man once considered a terrorist?a young and charismatic leader and shaking his hand, Trump made it clear that he favors bold actions. This decision, made in defiance of the caution urged by Washington's foreign policy establishment, was justified by Trump's claim that it would give Syria a chance to become great. Iran remains furious over the fall of its longtime ally, the Assad regime, but Trump's friendly stance toward Syria's new rulers suggests a potential new approach to Iran. In fact, Trump has already mentioned the possibility of resuming negotiations over Iran's nuclear program. Notably, longtime rivals Saudi Arabia and Turkey have joined forces to support Alshara. By listening to these two countries, Trump is demonstrating that the United States is forging new relationships with the region's key players.

The most surprising change in Trump's new Middle East policy is Israel's position. During his first term, Trump solidified ties with Israel, but now he no longer offers unconditional support to the Netanyahu government. Israel's sense of isolation has become evident through several incidents. The fact that Trump deliberately excluded Israel from his itinerary during his Middle East tour?while visiting Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates?was the first indication. Netanyahu hoped Trump would push for "normalization" between Israel and Saudi Arabia, but Saudi Arabia made it clear that there would be no diplomatic engagement with Israel as long as the Gaza war continued.

Furthermore, the process of releasing Ethan Alexander clearly demonstrated that Israel is increasingly being sidelined in U.S. diplomatic decisions. Netanyahu was visibly dismayed not only that Trump's team negotiated with Hamas against Israel's explicit wishes, but also that he himself was left out of the information loop. The fact that the Israeli government learned of U.S. negotiations with its adversaries through intelligence reports rather than diplomatic channels was a profound shock.

Trump mentioned that Alexander's release should be the first step in the final phase needed to end the brutal conflict, but he made no reference to Israel's claim that the war can only end if Hamas is defeated and expelled. This is being interpreted as a signal that Trump no longer offers full support for Israel's Gaza strategy. Netanyahu, who has relied on his influence in Washington to block all independent plans to end the war, now finds himself facing a president who demands immediate results. The situation seems to echo the failed attempt by the Reagan administration 40 years ago to prevent direct dealings with the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). Trump will not wait for Netanyahu.

Trump's Middle East policy may appear improvisational, but it is underpinned by a clear sense of direction. He aims to reduce direct U.S. military intervention while maintaining diplomatic influence. The easing of sanctions on Syria, direct negotiations with Hamas, and the halt to bombings in Yemen can all be understood in this context. The Middle East now seems to be entering a period of positive change. The fall of the Assad regime has given Syria an opportunity to break free from Iranian influence, and the possibility of a peace agreement with Israel is opening up. The Gulf states are trying to maintain detente with Iran, while Iran is desperately seeking to negotiate with the United States to sustain its unstable regime.

The question is how long this momentum will last. Trump may choose to rebuild his policy or abandon it altogether. Only time will tell whether his diplomatic gambles will bring true peace to the Middle East or lead to another round of turmoil. As Trump-driven changes begin to reach Northeast Asia as well, it is time for us to consider how we should respond.

Choi Junyoung, Senior Advisor, Yulchon LLC (Global Policy and Law)