Jerusalem Post: Trump–Aoun Meeting Signals New US Strategy in the Arab East

 Washington is adopting a new strategy toward the Arab East, according to an analysis published by The Jerusalem Post.

The newspaper argued that the meeting cannot be separated from Trump’s earlier talks with Syria’s transitional President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi.

Lebanon, Syria and Iraq constitute what the newspaper described as the “heart of the Arab world.” The timing of Trump’s meetings with their leaders is therefore significant, particularly because the three countries have served for decades as important arenas of Iranian influence.

The Jerusalem Post said the latest diplomatic engagement could indicate a strategic shift as the confrontation with Tehran intensifies.

Correcting the Course

Aoun is the first Lebanese president to visit the White House in nearly 20 years. According to The Jerusalem Post, Washington appears determined to move away from managing Lebanon’s affairs from a distance and toward more direct involvement.

Trump demonstrated his interest in Lebanon during the meeting, telling Aoun that the country had been treated badly and promising substantial American assistance.

Lebanon hopes the talks will contribute to an Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanese territory and provide greater support for the Lebanese army as it seeks to impose its authority over areas previously dominated by Hezbollah, according to Asharq Al-Awsat.

Trump addressed the Israeli military’s redeployment by saying: “They are in the process of doing so.” Aoun praised the US president’s approach, telling him: “Your vision is peace.”

Direct Flights and Airport Reforms

The Jerusalem Post suggested that the renewed relationship between Washington and Beirut could lead to direct flights between the United States and Lebanon.

Such a move may require reforms at Beirut’s Rafic Hariri International Airport, including measures to prevent Hezbollah from maintaining a presence inside or near the facility.

The issue remains complicated because the airport is located close to Beirut’s southern suburbs, a Hezbollah stronghold. It is also Lebanon’s only major civilian airport and serves people from across the country.

The recently reopened Qlayaat Airport could eventually become an alternative or supporting facility, but it would require substantial funding before it could fulfil that role.