Trump awaited in ME with hope
CAIRO: US President Donald Trump will visit Saudi Arabia and Israel, two bastions of relative calm in the war-battered Middle East, on his first foreign trip beginning this weekend.
In much of the region, attitudes towards Trump are coloured by the actions of his first four months in power.
Among them: His attempt to ban citizens of six mostly-Muslim countries from travelling to the United States; his decision to launch cruise missiles against a Syrian airbase to punish Damascus for a chemical weapons attack; and his decision to arm Kurdish militias fighting IS in Syria.
In short interviews, residents of the Middle East from all walks of life tell what they expect of Trump. SYRIA: Marla Awad, businesswoman, Damascus
“What matters to me was one very negative decision — his refusal to allow the Syrians to immigrate to America in a racist way, because travelling to it was a dream for me to fulfil my ambitions to study and work.”
Sherine Haji, 23, fighter in Kurdish YPG militia
“The plan to arm the YPG is a decision taken late. We have experienced many heavy battles. If this support was happening in the first place, the advances would have been quicker. We would not have to sacrifice many lives.
“Now I’m wounded, I’ve lost two legs, but rather than aching because of my pain, I’m worried for my people. This must end, no one else should be in pain. There must be free and peaceful life in this country.” IRAQ: Ali Bassem, 26, Iraqi fighter on Mosul front line
“He is a hero. He got IS out of Iraq. He is cooperative with the Iraqi people and we and the Americans are one nation. We are brothers.”
Sattar Muhsin Ali, stationery store owner, Baghdad
“The impact of Trump’s policy on the future of the Middle East will hold positive elements. For example, Iraq suffered a lot from the policy of the former American administrations which led to the spread of chaos and finally to the emergence of IS.” LEBANON: Charbel Fares, artist, near Sidon in South Lebanon
“Trump’s policies will lead us either to a world war with the Middle East as its centre stage or towards a compromise between all the conflicting powers based on dividing our countries and changing the boundaries determined by the SykesPicot agreement (between Britain and France in 1916).”
George Gharib, accessories shop owner, Beirut
“I do not expect any change in American policies towards the region, especially since President Trump is committed to moving the US Embassy to Jerusalem and there is no intention to pressure Israel.
“He will be like all previous presidents who came before him with bias and abiding by Israeli interests.” BAHRAIN: Mohammed Ateeq, banker and blogger
“President Trump has promised to dramatically change America’s stance in the Middle East most notably by scrapping the Iran nuclear agreement, getting involved to eradicate terrorists in IS... and to negotiate a peace agreement between the Israelis and Palestinians.
“All of these are common promises and rhetoric outlined by most US candidates and previous presidents. However, this is all easier said than done.” LIBYA: Sameh al Abani, 38, watch seller
“When Trump took office as president of the US, he issued an order preventing some Arab and Muslim nationalities from entering, causing tension in the region.
“His policy in Syria is not clear. Arming the Kurds is not right from my perspective.” Salem al Warfali, 31, barista “Trump’s policy is aimed at deepening the differences between Muslims and Christians. This will have a very bad impact and will lead to the continuation of hostility.” SAUDI ARABIA: Nayef al Hayzan, 28
“I expect that Trump’s visit will have a positive impact on the Saudi economy, and discussions are expected to tackle the problems in Syria and (energy giant) Aramco’s privatization in international markets and US markets in particular.” Abdulaziz al Anbari, 32 “I think Trump as a Republican president will help improve relations with the Gulf states, especially Saudi Arabia.
I do not want to commit on Trump’s policy in Syria and arming the Kurds now. Let’s wait and see what comes from his visit.” EGYPT: Mubarak Mashali, 20, student at Cairo University
“I think Trump is going to ruin things and make them worse than they already are throughout the whole Middle East.” JORDAN: Lara Shahin, 35, Syrian refugee and handicraft worker in Amman
“Trump’s decision to strike at the air base was a surprise move that raised my hopes the US President will take bolder decisions in future that would end President Bashar al Assad’s rule and allow me to return home to a democratic country.” — Reuters