No Changes in U.S. Policy in the Middle East After Donald Trump’s Victory
November 16, 2024, 3:26 pm

No Changes in U.S. Policy in the Middle East After Donald Trump’s Victory

عبد الرحمن حبش

Donald Trump's victory in the U.S. elections signals the potential for significant impacts on American policy in the Middle East, which may range from strengthening traditional alliances to introducing new approaches to regional relations. As Trump takes office in the White House in 2025, substantial changes in his policy toward the region are expected.

The Russia-Ukraine crisis remains a central focus of U.S. policy, as tensions escalate between Russia and the West, particularly the United States and NATO. This conflict highlights how geopolitical interests intersect with human rights issues and regional security concerns. Russia seeks to enhance its influence in the region by supporting its traditional allies, such as the Assad regime in Syria, complicating the situation further.

On the other hand, Trump may reassess the U.S. military presence in Syria and Iraq, adopting a more assertive approach to counter Iranian influence. This could involve bolstering American military presence and continuing to impose strict sanctions on Iran, potentially heightening regional tensions and increasing disputes with Tehran. In this context, the United States is likely to strengthen its alliances with Gulf countries such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE, offering more military support and economic cooperation to enhance regional security.

Regarding the Kurdish issue in Syria, the Kurds, particularly the People's Protection Units (YPG), have played a pivotal role in the fight against ISIS. However, the Kurdish relationships with the United States could lead to tensions with Turkey, which regards the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) as a terrorist group due to its links with the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). Turkey aims to diminish the Kurdish self-administration project in northeastern Syria, where the Kurdish dimensions intersect within the Syrian landscape, as the Kurds, especially the SDF, remain key players in the war against ISIS. However, U.S. support for the SDF in northeastern Syria contradicts Turkish interests and those of the Syrian government.

Complicating the scenario further is the fluctuating nature of Turkish-American relations, marked by cooperation and tension based on policies surrounding the Kurdish issue and the Syrian crisis in general. A potential visit to the Middle East by Trump could reshape these dynamics, with the new administration seeking to balance support for the Kurds and strengthening relations with Turkey. These dynamics raise questions about how Trump will handle U.S. Turkish relations amid Ankara's efforts to limit recognition of Kurdish self-administration in northeastern Syria.

Regarding the Palestinian issue, it is likely that Trump's pro-Israel policy will continue, as previously demonstrated by the relocation of the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem. This policy may lead to increased settlement activity in the West Bank and escalating tensions with Palestinians, in addition to supporting the Israeli campaign to eliminate armed resistance from Hamas and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, suggesting a disregard for traditional peace efforts. Trump is expected to adopt a tougher stance against Hezbollah, potentially supporting political forces opposing it. However, it is essential to note that this approach could yield unpredictable outcomes, ranging from increased stability to chaos in the region, depending on the responses of these powers.

The situation becomes even more complex when considering the region's rising divisions, where political actions intersect with humanitarian and economic crises. Trump’s return to power may exacerbate these divisions, particularly in light of regional competition and sectarian tensions. These dynamics present a challenge to any strategy Trump seeks to implement in the Middle East, necessitating deep contemplation on how to manage the complex relationships between states and Western influence in the region.

Overall, Trump's second term is anticipated to be fraught with challenges and tensions in the Middle East, potentially witnessing significant changes in policies concerning Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, Palestine, and Iran. Much depends on the reactions of other countries and how regional and international actors respond to these new policies.

In summary, Trump's victory in the U.S. elections signifies a potential shift in American policy towards the Middle East and Asia, carrying both opportunities and challenges that require careful monitoring and a deep understanding of the multifaceted interactions in this sensitive region. Military conflict in the region could arise under President Donald Trump's administration with his Western allies.

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BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the company’s headquarters in the Seef District.
During the meeting, shareholders approved all items listed on the agenda, including the ratification of the minutes of the previous AGM held on 26 March 2024. The session reviewed and approved the Board’s Annual Report on the company’s activities and financial performance for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2024, and the shareholders expressed their satisfaction with the company’s operational and financial results during the reporting period.
The meeting also reviewed the Independent External Auditor’s Report on the company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024. Subsequently, the shareholders approved the audited financial statements for the fiscal year. Based on the Board’s recommendation, the shareholders approved the distribution of a cash dividend equivalent to 10% of the paid-up share capital.
Furthermore, the shareholders endorsed the allocation of a total amount of BD 172,500 as remuneration to the members of the Board for the year ended 31 December 2024, subject to prior clearance by related authorities.
The extension of the current composition of the Board was approved, which includes ten members and one CBB observer, for a further six-month term, expiring in September 2025, pending no objection from the CBB.
The meeting reviewed and approved the Corporate Governance Report for 2024, which affirmed the company’s full compliance with the corporate governance directives issued by the CBB and other applicable regulatory frameworks. The AGM absolved the Board Members of liability for any of their actions during the year ending on 31st December 2024, in accordance with the Commercial Companies Law.
In alignment with regulatory requirements, the session approved the reappointment of Ernst & Young (EY) as the company’s External Auditors for the fiscal year 2025, covering both the parent company and its subsidiaries—Sinnad and Bahrain FinTech Bay. The Board was authorised to determine the external auditors’ professional fees, subject to approval from the CBB, and the meeting concluded with a discussion of any additional issues as per Article (207) of the Commercial Companies Law.
Speaking on the company’s performance, Mr. Mohamed Al Bastaki, Chairman BENEFIT , stated: “In terms of the financial results for 2024, I am pleased to say that the year gone by has also been proved to be a success in delivering tangible results. Growth rate for 2024 was 19 per cent. Revenue for the year was BD 17 M (US$ 45.3 Million) and net profit was 2 Million ($ 5.3 Million).

Mr. Al Bastaki also announced that the Board had formally adopted a new three-year strategic roadmap to commence in 2025. The strategy encompasses a phased international expansion, optimisation of internal operations, enhanced revenue diversification, long-term sustainability initiatives, and the advancement of innovation and digital transformation initiatives across all service lines.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to the CBB for its continued support of BENEFIT and its pivotal role in fostering a stable and progressive regulatory environment for the Kingdom’s banking and financial sector—an environment that has significantly reinforced Bahrain’s standing as a leading financial hub in the region,” said Mr. Al Bastaki. “I would also like to thank our partner banks and valued customers for their trust, and our shareholders for their ongoing encouragement. The achievements of 2024 set a strong precedent, and I am confident they will serve as a foundation for yet another successful and impactful year ahead.”
Chief Executive of BENEFIT; Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi commented, “The year 2024 represented another pivotal chapter in BENEFIT ’s evolution. We achieved substantial progress in advancing our digital strategy across multiple sectors, while reinforcing our long-term commitment to the development of Bahrain’s financial services and payments landscape. Throughout the year, we remained firmly aligned with our objective of delivering measurable value to our shareholders, strategic partners, and customers. At the same time, we continued to play an active role in enabling Bahrain’s digital economy by introducing innovative solutions and service enhancements that directly address market needs and future opportunities.”
Mr. AlJanahi affirmed that BENEFIT has successfully developed a robust and well-integrated payment network that connects individuals and businesses across Bahrain, accelerating the adoption of emerging technologies in the banking and financial services sector and reinforcing Bahrain’s position as a growing fintech hub, and added, “Our achievements of the past year reflect a long-term vision to establish a resilient electronic payment infrastructure that supports the Kingdom’s digital economy. Key developments in 2024 included the implementation of central authentication for open banking via BENEFIT Pay”
Mr. AlJanahi concluded by thanking the Board for its strategic direction, the company’s staff for their continued dedication, and the Central Bank of Bahrain, member banks, and shareholders for their valuable partnership and confidence in the company’s long-term vision.