Abstract: A new U.S. president means a new foreign policy for the world. With the election of Donald Trump as president, his priorities and diplomatic style will have its effect on different parts of the world, including the Middle East and Iraq. For almost 30 years, the fate of Iraq has been dramatically affected by U.S. presidential decisions. Trump’s own arguments and his team’s declarations provide us some clues about the future direction of U.S. policy in the Middle East. Their pro-Israel and anti-Iran attitude will dramatically alter the existing policies of the Obama administration in the region. High on Trump’s agenda in his policy towards Iraq will be the fight against ISIL and curtailing the influence of Iran in Iraq. The positions of other regional players like Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Israel will be crucial in devising and implementing these policies. Like many other U.S. presidents, Trump will leave his own imprint on Iraq, and like many other U.S. presidents, he will come in for much criticism at the same time.
About the Author:
Mesut Özcan is a professor at the Social Sciences University of Ankara.