Is Trump’s Gaza gamble ‘morally bankrupt’ or bold?
Donald Trump’s breathtaking plan for the US to takeover Gaza stunned the world and ripped up the foreign policy status quo in the Middle East.
A tent camp for displaced Palestinians is set up next to destroyed buildings following the Israeli air and ground offensive in Jabaliya, Gaza Strip, Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025. AP
On the same day Donald Trump declared he wanted to take over Gaza, he reinstated the campaign of “maximum pressure” to stop Iran acquiring a nuclear bomb, while the Pentagon began drafting plans to withdraw hundreds of US troops from Syria.
It’s enough to induce whiplash for even the most ardent America Firster; the US president seems torn between his competing instincts of US isolationism, getting tough with the Mullahs and real estate wheeling and dealing.
Andrew TillettForeign affairs, defence correspondentAndrew Tillett writes on politics, foreign affairs, defence and security from the Canberra press gallery. Connect with Andrew on Facebook and Twitter. Email Andrew at andrew.tillett@afr.com
