First, the ceasefire. Next the Trump effect could upend the Middle East
Will Israel and Donald Trump use the threat of annexation to secure a new grand bargain?
Even before the ceasefire in Gaza Donald Trump had begun to reshape the Middle East. He was influential in pushing Israel to a truce with Lebanon in November. The fragile deal struck between Israel and Hamas on January 15th further reduces the intensity of the fighting in the region and resets Israel’s domestic politics. It will also reinforce the president-elect’s power over the Arab states that helped broker the deal, and over Binyamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister.
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This article appeared in the Middle East & Africa section of the print edition under the headline “The Trump effect”
Middle East & Africa January 18th 2025
- After 15 months of hell, Israel and Hamas sign a ceasefire deal
- First, the ceasefire. Next the Trump effect could upend the Middle East
- Violent jihadists are getting frustrated by the new Syria
- West African booze is becoming a luxury product
- A hidden refuge in Sudan that the internet, banks—and war—can’t reach
From the January 18th 2025 edition
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West African booze is becoming a luxury product
Female entrepreneurs are leading the charge
After 15 months of hell, Israel and Hamas sign a ceasefire deal
Donald Trump provided the X factor by putting heat on Binyamin Netanyahu, who insists the war isn’t over yet
A hidden refuge in Sudan that the internet, banks—and war—can’t reach
A visit to the Nuba mountains provides a glimpse into the future of the country
Violent jihadists are getting frustrated by the new Syria
Tipsy dancers, Christmas decorations, Shias and women’s rights are in the crosshairs
America concludes genocide has been committed in Sudan—again
The move highlights the magnitude of Sudan’s civil war but does little to end it
Lebanon tries yet again to elect a new president
But it will not be easy to convince its corrupt politicians to reform