Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump waves at an election night watch party in West Palm Beach, Florida. AFP
Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump waves at an election night watch party in West Palm Beach, Florida. AFP

2025 - The return of Donald Trump

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Updated 19 April 2025
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2025 - The return of Donald Trump

2025 - The return of Donald Trump
  • The master of ‘shock and awe’ has once again made the Middle East a priority

WASHINGTON D.C.: For a newspaper covering the Middle East, there is no shortage of moments vying for selection as the most significant news event of 2025.

Scarcely a day passes without a fresh development in the ongoing conflict triggered by the Hamas terror attack on Israel in October 2023, which inaugurated a cascade of tragedies throughout the region.

Hamas continues to hold Israelis hostage, keeping them and their families suffering unspeakably. Hamas’s refusal to turn the hostages over and surrender has trapped civilians in war’s crossfire, effectively holding Gazans hostage too, rather than allowing Gaza to rebuild free from the grip and tyranny of terrorists. Tens of thousands of civilians have lost their lives.

Yet what has transpired in America may soon be seen by historians and geopolitical analysts alike as the most significant event to have taken place in 2025 — with seismic repercussions for the Middle East and, indeed, the entire world.

It does not minimize the importance of the latest in a series of generational tragedies ensnaring Palestinians and Israelis, to suggest that a political event that took place more than 9,500 kilometers away is itself a generational story.

From a purely American perspective, the inauguration and return to the White House of Donald J. Trump on Jan. 20 this year was, without doubt, the single most remarkable political comeback in US history.

Elected president for the first time in November 2016, Trump’s political career appeared finished — at least to his detractors — when Democratic candidate Joe Biden was sworn in on Jan. 20, 2021.

How we wrote it




With the flashy headline “He’s Back,” Arab News featured Donald Trump’s win, leading with Arab leaders’ congratulations.

Trump, however, then did what only one other American president has done before. Returning to the fray, in November 2024 he handily defeated Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee and, in so doing, became only the second president, after Grover Cleveland in the late 19th century, to win two non-consecutive terms of office.

In January this year, buoyed by his large Electoral College victory and popular vote mandate — and with the Republican party, now largely shaped in his image, controlling both houses of Congress — President Trump hit the ground running. His four years out of power allowed him to further hone and develop the ideas and policies that would build on the successes of his first term.

His first two months back in the Oval Office have been a blur of activity that has left observers at home and abroad stunned, some frustrated and many impressed. World leaders are scrambling to understand and adapt to a dynamic new US administration determined to put America, and Americans, first in all things. Perhaps these observers and leaders forgot that this was what Trump said he would do, and that it is his job.

On March 10, the White House issued a statement titled “50 wins in 50 days,” highlighting Trump’s achievements to date. Many of these were, of course, domestic in nature, addressing concerns close to the heart of his support base: controlling immigration; cutting bureaucratic red tape, waste and fraud; appointing Elon Musk to run a new Department of Government Efficiency; ending federal diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives; and much more.

But ever since his first term, when he ushered in the Abraham Accords, Trump has harbored a determination to bring peace to the Middle East — or at least those parts of the Middle East in which that is realistically achievable — and in 2025 he has wasted no time returning to that ambition.

Key Dates

  • 1

    Trump produces and stars in reality TV series ‘The Apprentice,’ in which contestants compete to earn his approval and land a job with a 6-figure salary in his organization.

    Timeline Image Jan. 8, 2004

  • 2

    Trump declared US president after defeating Democrat rival Hilary Trump declared US president after defeating Democrat rival Hilary Clinton with 57.2 percent of Electoral College vote.

    Timeline Image Nov. 8, 2016

  • 3

    Trump visits Saudi Arabia at start of his first international trip as president. He meets King Salman, as well as Arab and GCC leaders.

    Timeline Image May 20, 2017

  • 4

    Trump recognizes Jerusalem as capital of Israel, moves the US Embassy there from Tel Aviv.

    Timeline Image Dec. 6, 2017

  • 5

    US withdraws from the Iran nuclear deal, which aimed to restrict the country’s nuclear-research program in exchange for sanctions relief.

  • 6

    Iranian Quds Force commander Qassem Soleimani killed by US drone strike in Baghdad, a mission ordered by Trump.

    Timeline Image Jan 3, 2020

  • 7

    Trump poses with Bahrain Foreign Minister Khalid bin Ahmed Al-Khalifa, UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as the three countries normalize relations in historic Abraham Accords. Morocco follows suit in December, and Sudan in January 2021.

    Timeline Image Sept. 15, 2020

  • 8

    Trump wins second term in historic comeback that defies impeachments and felony convictions.

    Timeline Image Nov. 4, 2024

During those first 50 days, President Trump restored pressure on Iran; redesignated the Houthis in Yemen as terrorists, unleashing a series of airstrikes to end their attacks on Red Sea shipping; and proposed a bold plan for peace and prosperity in Gaza.

Since the president’s return to office, one of the major questions surrounding his administration has been how it will handle foreign affairs. There are, of course, many factors at play, including the extraordinary complexity of regions experiencing conflict.

But having served as his envoy to Middle East during his first term, and having worked closely with him for 20 years prior to that, I have observed how the fundamental approach that defines President Trump’s diplomatic philosophy remains consistent: speak truth even when others are mired in diplomatic platitudes, envision deals that provide all parties with realistic achievements, and focus on what they truly need rather than what they publicly demand or what their leaders promise.

President Trump approaches problems from a realistic perspective and seeks to fix them, not to adhere to conventions. He deals with the here and now, not the state of the world years ago, nor as we wish it to be. He treats conventional wisdom as a reflection of possibly outdated truths.

I witnessed firsthand how conventional wisdom can become an obstacle to progress, particularly when it calcifies into dogma that resists adjustment.

I still recall the skepticism that preceded our efforts on the Abraham Accords. John Kerry, the former US secretary of state, exemplified the entrenched thinking dominating Middle East diplomacy with his dismissive “no, no, no” regarding the question of whether Arab-Israeli peace was possible without first resolving the Palestinian issue. He had mistaken an unscientific consensus for an immutable truth.

By ignoring failed consensuses and focusing instead on shared interests and possibilities, President Trump proved Kerry wrong, wrong, wrong.

This success was not accidental but resulted from President Trump’s deliberate strategy of challenging assumptions, speaking honestly about realities on the ground, and letting new thinking flourish.




Trump is rushed offstage during his presidential campaign’s Pennsylvania rally after an assassination attempt. Getty Images

For today’s challenges, particularly the devastating Russia-Ukraine war, this approach offers great promise.

Bringing in new US partners as conflict mediators is a valuable element of Trump’s global strategy. Saudi Arabia’s emerging role as a diplomatic broker presents an opportunity that aligns with President Trump’s preference for unconventional pathways to peace.

Nations without the historical baggage of failed negotiations can secure trust and buy-in from opposing sides precisely because they represent a clean slate. The Saudis, and the leaders of other Gulf states, such as the UAE and Qatar, are also generally immune to the Western condition of calcified dogma, allowing them to think more pragmatically on many issues.

Within the Middle East, the core American interests remain clear: foster peace between nations, combat terrorism, and contain disorder. I expect President Trump to seek opportunities for the reduction and elimination of regional conflicts with pragmatic optimism, and I am optimistic about the potential for breakthroughs precisely because his plain truths force potential partners to snap out of diplomatic complacency.

There are areas of the Middle East, such as Lebanon and Syria, where Trump’s methods might finally help them turn the corner and build a better future. It has been decades since that was even a possibility.

Sometimes, meaningful progress requires disrupting expectations. In diplomacy, the most profound achievements often come not from refining existing processes but from fundamentally reimagining what is possible.

My money is on Trump knowing how to put the pieces together. He simply gets things done.

Will Donald Trump’s return to the White House still appear to have been the most significant event of 2025 when this year draws to a close? I think so. I think it will be the most significant event for many years to come, both domestically and abroad.

As the White House statement on March 10 noted, “President Trump is just getting started.”

  • Jason Greenblatt was the White House Middle East envoy in the first Trump administration. He is the author of the widely acclaimed book ‘In the Path of Abraham,’ and director of Arab-Israel diplomacy for the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs.


Torrential rains kill 25 in Nigerian city: rescuers

Updated 1 min 10 sec ago
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Torrential rains kill 25 in Nigerian city: rescuers

Torrential rains kill 25 in Nigerian city: rescuers
Flooding after a rainstorm late Wednesday washed away or submerged at least 50 homes
10 people remained missing on top of the confirmed dead

KANO: Torrential rains devastated the central Nigerian city of Mokwa and killed at least 25 people, emergency services said Thursday amid a search for more bodies.

Flooding after a rainstorm late Wednesday washed away or submerged at least 50 homes in the city and 10 people remained missing on top of the confirmed dead, an emergency management official said.

“The surging flood water submerged and washed away over 50 residential houses with their occupants,” said Abdullahi Baba-Arah, director general of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).

Divers and volunteers one woman and her two children, who were being treated in hospital for “wounds and shock.”

Nigeria is hit by flooding every rainy season, which runs between May and September.

The floods are largely caused by inadequate drainage, the construction of homes on waterways, and the dumping of waste in drains and water channels.

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) had warned of possible flash floods in 15 of Nigeria’s 36 states, including Niger state, between Wednesday and Friday.

In 2024, more than 1,200 people were killed and 1.2 million displaced in one of the country’s worst floods in decades.

How Saudi Arabia is leveraging AI to strengthen cybersecurity and combat cybercriminals

How Saudi Arabia is leveraging AI to strengthen cybersecurity and combat cybercriminals
Updated 3 min 55 sec ago
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How Saudi Arabia is leveraging AI to strengthen cybersecurity and combat cybercriminals

How Saudi Arabia is leveraging AI to strengthen cybersecurity and combat cybercriminals
  • Generative AI enables hyper-realistic phishing, voice cloning, and deepfakes, making scams harder to detect
  • Saudi Arabia’s National Cybersecurity Authority offers a toolkit to help bolster digital protection across sectors

RIYADH: As generative artificial intelligence reshapes industries and transforms daily life, it is also fueling a new generation of cybercrime — smarter, faster, and harder to detect. Across the Gulf region, governments and tech leaders are working hard to stay one step ahead. 

At the heart of this regional defense is Saudi Arabia’s National Cybersecurity Authority and its Cybersecurity Toolkit, which offers a template to shield critical infrastructure and public services from digital threats.

“The Cybersecurity Toolkit offers public and private sector organizations a comprehensive suite of tools to enhance cyber readiness and reduce cyber risks,” Zainab Alamin, vice president of national digital transformation at Microsoft Arabia, told Arab News.

Available in Arabic and English, the toolkit is part of the NCA’s mission to embed cyber resilience across the Kingdom.

But the NCA’s efforts go beyond templates. Its national cybersecurity portal, HASEEN, helps manage and develop cyber services, while the CyberIC Program cultivates homegrown expertise to defend Saudi systems from evolving threats.

“Recognizing the importance of public awareness, the authority also launched the National Cybersecurity Awareness Campaign, which aims to raise cybersecurity awareness among all segments of society,” said Alamin.

And the investment is substantial. “Saudi Arabia has significantly increased its investment in cybersecurity, with spending reaching SR13.3 billion ($3.5 billion) in 2023, underscoring the Kingdom’s commitment to safeguarding its digital infrastructure,” she added.

But while Saudi Arabia is stepping up, so are cybercriminals. Generative AI has made it drastically easier to forge realistic emails, clone voices, and generate deepfake videos, giving fraudsters a dangerous new edge.

“As AI models improve, the output becomes more authentic, contextually accurate, and emotionally manipulative — making it increasingly difficult for traditional detection systems and even well-informed users to distinguish real from fake,” said Alamin.

Gone are the clumsy phishing emails littered with typos. Today’s scams are polished and personalized. “AI is transforming impersonation scams by making them more convincing, more scalable, and harder to detect,” said Alamin.

Microsoft Arabia’s latest Cyber Signals report revealed the extent to which criminals are exploiting generative AI.

“In this new wave of fraud, AI is being used to produce everything from hyper-realistic images and fake videos to cloned voices, personalized phishing messages, and even entire fraudulent websites,” said Alamin.

The threat is not theoretical. “Imagine receiving a voicemail that sounds exactly like your manager asking you to urgently transfer funds, or an email that looks and reads just like one from your bank, complete with branding and a personalized message,” said Alamin.

“These are no longer far-fetched scenarios; they are happening right now.”

Deepfakes can hijack video calls. Voice clones mimic family members or executives. Even phishing links now use language models to tailor tone and content.

“Thousands of phishing emails can now be tailored with just a few prompts, mimicking tone, language, and even regional nuances,” said Alamin.

In response, Microsoft is deploying its own AI-powered defenses. From April 2024 to April 2025, its systems blocked $4 billion in fraud attempts and prevented over 49,000 fraudulent partnership enrolments.

“We also work closely with law enforcement and industry partners to share threat intelligence and combat criminal misuse of AI,” said Alamin. “Scammers are evolving fast, but so are we.”

Microsoft’s platforms, such as Defender for Cloud and Entra, use AI to detect and neutralize cyber threats across email, chat, and cloud infrastructure.

Edge, the company’s browser, now offers typo and domain impersonation protection, as well as a “Scareware Blocker” to shut down alarming pop-up scams.

“In addition, our identity and access management tools, like Microsoft Entra, help organizations enforce Zero Trust principles, ensuring that no one is trusted by default, whether human or AI-generated,” said Alamin.

Yet the battle is not just technical — it’s also behavioral. “In the age of AI-assisted scams, both individuals and organizations need to adopt a more proactive, layered approach to cybersecurity. This means combining technology, awareness, and policy to build digital resilience.”

Education remains key. “Scammers often try to short-circuit your judgment with fear or pressure. A perfect example of this is ‘limited-time’ deals and countdown timers when online shopping,” said Alamin.

Other signs of AI-generated deception include overly formal language, generic greetings, or unusual phrasing. “If something ‘feels’ off, trust your instincts and immediately stop engaging,” she added.

For deepfakes and voice clones, look for unnatural lip-sync, poor lighting, or glitchy visuals. Subtle typos in domain names or email addresses can also be giveaways. And always verify communications that involve sensitive information — especially money.

“If you receive a call, video, or email that seems unusual — even from someone you know — double-check it via another trusted channel,” said Alamin. “Also, avoid direct bank transfers or cryptocurrency payments, which lack fraud protections.”

Saudi Arabia is not alone in its response. Gulf nations, from the UAE to Oman, are advancing cybersecurity frameworks aligned with global standards. The UAE recently launched its Green Bond and Sukuk Framework, with cybersecurity embedded in its digital finance architecture. 

Microsoft’s regional partnerships reflect this shared urgency to modernize defenses without stifling innovation.

“Tools that generate text, synthesize voice, or create hyper-realistic imagery can empower innovation in education, accessibility, and customer service,” said Alamin. “However, in the wrong hands, they can be weaponized for scams, misinformation, and manipulation.”

That dual-use challenge is at the heart of the cybersecurity conundrum. “A key challenge is intent. AI doesn’t have ethics, but its users do.”

 


Lebanon takes border measures in coordination with Damascus to curb smuggling

Lebanon takes border measures in coordination with Damascus to curb smuggling
Updated 1 min 25 sec ago
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Lebanon takes border measures in coordination with Damascus to curb smuggling

Lebanon takes border measures in coordination with Damascus to curb smuggling
  • Discussed developments on the Lebanon-Syria border and ways to enhance cooperation to control it and prevent smuggling operations
  • UNIFIL commander says situation along the Blue Line is tense as ‘violations’ continue

BEIRUT: Lebanese and Syrian delegations met in Damascus this week to discuss procedures for controlling cross-border smuggling, especially drug trafficking.

The Syrian Interior Ministry announced that both sides discussed developments on the Lebanon-Syria border and ways to enhance cooperation to control it and prevent smuggling operations.

It said that Maj. Gen. Ahmed Latouf, assistant minister for police affairs, on Tuesday evening met with a Lebanese army delegation headed by Brig. Gen. Michel Boutros.

Chief of the Syrian army’s general staff, Maj. Gen. Ali Al-Naasan and Boutros had previously held a meeting to enhance military coordination between the two countries.

In a statement released by the Syrian Arab News Agency, the interior ministry said the meeting between Naasan and Boutros was part of a series of ongoing discussions between them.

According to the release, the chief of operations in Syria also attended the talks.

A Lebanese military source said that the Lebanese army was enhancing its presence along the land border with Syria and maintaining strict control over areas known for smuggling, noting that similar measures were being taken on the Syrian side.

Two days ago, Hamish Cowell, the UK ambassador to Lebanon, said on X that he had visited the eastern border of Lebanon with Syria the previous week. During his visit, he observed how the Lebanese army’s new forward operating bases supported counter-smuggling efforts and improved border security.

The ambassador commended the soldiers of the Land Border Regiment for their efforts in defending Lebanon, emphasizing that UK support is ongoing.

The UK had previously provided watchtowers to help secure the borders.

The Lebanese army command had clarified to the Syrian side that the watchtowers were to monitor the border, prevent the infiltration of terrorists, and control the smuggling of people, drugs, weapons, and contraband from and into Lebanon.

The army added that equipment installed in the towers was exclusively connected to the Lebanese military command and that cameras were aimed to monitor Lebanese rather than Syrian territory.

The purpose was to observe the movement of people and vehicles outside official border crossings and to prevent infiltration and smuggling activities on the Lebanese side of the border.

Lebanon shares a border with Syria that extends over 350 kilometers, threading through towns, villages, rugged terrain, and mountainous areas.

Much of this border is unmarked, allowing for the smuggling of people, goods, fuel, weapons, ammunition, wanted individuals, and stolen vehicles.

Hezbollah manages dozens of crossings, because the areas around these crossings are supportive environments for the party.

The Lebanese government has identified 136 illegal border crossings between Lebanon and Syria, a number that increased during the Syrian war. In comparison, there are only six official border crossings between the two countries, which are in the northern and eastern regions.

The Army Command announced on Thursday, the day after the Damascus meeting, that it had thwarted an attempt to smuggle a large quantity of drugs and fuel in the area between Yahfoufa and Baalbek. Nine suspects were arrested.

Army units detained 26 Syrians illegally present in the Bekaa region, along with a Lebanese citizen in the Arsal-Baalbek highlands who was trying to smuggle fuel and other materials.

On Lebanon’s southern border, Israeli breaches of Lebanese sovereignty continued.

Israeli army spokesperson Avichay Adraee said on his X account that an air force aircraft struck the Mount Shaqif area, eliminating a Hezbollah operative in southern Lebanon.

The operative was reportedly attempting to reconstruct a site that had previously been used by Hezbollah for fire control and defense.

He said such activity at the site constituted a violation of the understanding between Israel and Lebanon and has been targeted several times in recent weeks.

Adraee said that the army would continue to act to eliminate any threat to Israel.

The warning came as the Lebanese Ministry of Health confirmed the death of “a martyr in an Israeli drone strike … in Nabatieh Al-Fawqa.”

Maj. Gen. Aroldo Lazaro Saenz, the head of mission and force commander of UNIFIL, said that the situation along the Blue Line is tense as a result of ongoing violations and significant risks, and any mistake could lead to serious consequences.

On International Day of UN Peacekeepers, he said: “We welcome the calm that has prevailed since November, but weapons still roar and the challenges remain significant.”

Israeli forces, which still occupy five hills in the Lebanese border area, advanced on Monday night toward Mays Al-Jabal in a serious land breach and set up earthen barriers in the area.

The Lebanese army contacted the five-member committee overseeing the ceasefire agreement and then the next day proceeded to remove the newly erected barrier.


Israel says intercepts missile from Yemen after air raid warning

Israel says intercepts missile from Yemen after air raid warning
Updated 6 min 31 sec ago
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Israel says intercepts missile from Yemen after air raid warning

Israel says intercepts missile from Yemen after air raid warning
  • “A missile launched from Yemen was intercepted,” the army said

JERUSALEM: The Israeli army said it had intercepted a missile launched from Yemen on Thursday after air raid sirens sounded in the center of the country, with explosions heard over Jerusalem.

“Following the sirens that sounded a short while ago in several areas in Israel, a missile launched from Yemen was intercepted,” the army said in a statement.


Saudi Arabia unveils robotic surgery and PET-CT scanner to boost Hajj healthcare services

Saudi Minister of Health Fahad Abdulrahman AlJalajel visits King Abdullah Medical City in Makkah. (Supplied)
Saudi Minister of Health Fahad Abdulrahman AlJalajel visits King Abdullah Medical City in Makkah. (Supplied)
Updated 32 min 11 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia unveils robotic surgery and PET-CT scanner to boost Hajj healthcare services

Saudi Minister of Health Fahad Abdulrahman AlJalajel visits King Abdullah Medical City in Makkah. (Supplied)
  • Developments are in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which emphasizes innovation and excellence in healthcare, ministry said

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has introduced robotic surgery at King Abdullah Medical City in Makkah, the Kingdom’s Ministry of Health said on Thursday.

The new robotic system marks a major advancement in healthcare services provided to Hajj pilgrims and will support procedures in thoracic surgery, urology, and oncology, enabling greater surgical precision and faster recovery for patients.

The initiative is part of the Ministry of Health’s efforts to leverage technology to improve the quality and efficiency of care delivered during the annual pilgrimage.

The hospital has also launched the first-ever PET-CT scanner within the ministry’s hospitals in the western region.

The diagnostic tool allows for early detection of cancers, cardiovascular diseases, and neurological disorders, significantly enhancing diagnostic capabilities.

These developments are in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which emphasizes innovation and excellence in healthcare, the ministry said.

The expansion of high-tech medical services during Hajj reflects Saudi Arabia’s continued commitment to ensuring the health and safety of pilgrims from around the world.