Evaluating Trump’s Middle East Proposal and Its Implications for…

President Trump’s recent proposal to take “long-term ownership” of a depopulated Gaza Strip has raised alarms about potential forced resettlement and military intervention. This echoes the past failures of U.S. involvement in Iraq, highlighting the dangers of military operations in complex societies. Critics argue that the U.S. should focus on withdrawing from regional conflicts rather than escalating its commitments in the Middle East.

Last week, President Trump made a surprising claim that the United States would assume “long-term ownership” of a depopulated Gaza Strip, aiming to transform it into a new resort area. This proposal has faced significant backlash, with a UN official stating it could equate to ethnic cleansing. Trump further asserted that no American troops would be necessary, suggesting that the two million Palestinians would leave voluntarily, an idea many regard as unrealistic.

While it is essential to take Trump’s assertions seriously, one must acknowledge that the notion of voluntary resettlement for Palestinians is far-fetched. The residents of Gaza are unlikely to leave willingly or simply vanish, which raises the question of what his true plan involves. The implication is that any resettlement would necessitate military intervention, likely provoking strong resistance from Hamas.

The prospect of U.S. forces engaging in another significant insurgency in the Middle East looms ominously. The comparison to the battle of Fallujah is poignant, as Gaza’s population far exceeds that of the Iraqi city during its troubling military operations in 2004. The conflict in Iraq serves as a critical reminder of the potential consequences of military interventions.

According to popular wisdom, Colin Powell allegedly warned President Bush against invading Iraq by invoking the Pottery Barn principle—”You break it, you buy it.” Regardless of its authenticity, this sentiment reflects the harsh realities of military engagement. Trump’s proposed plan for Gaza seems to reverse this idea, urging the U.S. to bear the costs of occupation while absolving itself of responsibility for the conflict.

Powell’s concerns about regime change were prescient. He recognized the unpredictability of military interventions against regimes that, although problematic, may provide some societal cohesion. Ignoring his cautions led to disastrous outcomes, including the Iraqi civil war, which incurred substantial costs, with nearly 4,500 U.S. soldiers killed and financial expenses surpassing $728 billion.

Trump’s vision of improving Gaza appears detached from reality, particularly when compared to Iraq in 2003. Iraq was a more cohesive state at that time, and its citizens expressed relief at the removal of Saddam Hussein, a widely despised leader. Conversely, Gaza has never functioned as a conventional state, and the ruling Hamas has entrenched itself in Gazan society.

Although some Gazans may disapprove of Hamas following the recent conflict, many would still fight to protect their homeland alongside the group. The death toll from the war has generated resentment towards Israel, and animosity towards the U.S. may increase due to its support of Israel. Should Hamas become the dominant opposing force, public sympathy for it is likely to escalate.

Intelligence experts caution that the Gaza conflict may foster a generational tide of terrorism, with ramifications reaching the United States. Should Trump’s plan materialize, it risks making the U.S. a primary adversary in the Middle East and could severely destabilize relations with crucial allies like Egypt and Jordan.

Increasing U.S. involvement in a conflict that was not initiated by America seems counterproductive. The proposal suggests that the U.S. would engage in violence and potential insurgency at the cost of humane treatment for displaced Palestinians in pursuit of political and economic gains.

The American public must vehemently oppose this reckless approach. Rather than escalating military commitment in the region, the U.S. should withdraw from areas like Syria and Iraq, advocating for peace instead of aggravating existing tensions.

In summary, President Trump’s proposal for Gaza raises significant concerns about the potential for a renewed military conflict reminiscent of the Iraq War. The likelihood of forced resettlement, coupled with resistance from local populations, indicates a high risk of exacerbating violence and instability in the Middle East. Ultimately, the U.S. should reconsider its military engagements in the region, focusing on diplomatic solutions instead of further entrenching itself in conflict.

Original Source: www.newsweek.com