By Rajan George
For decades, peace in the Middle East has remained an elusive goal, obstructed by deep-rooted conflicts, geopolitical rivalries, and entrenched ideologies. Since the reconstitution of the State of Israel in 1948—following nearly two millennia of Jewish dispersion—wars and hostilities have marred the region. Numerous U.S. Presidents, along with international leaders, envisioned the day when Israel and its Arab neighbors would reach a lasting peace. Yet, despite repeated efforts, this vision remained unrealized.
Presidents Carter, Reagan, George H. W. Bush, Clinton, George W. Bush, and Obama all attempted to broker peace. But despite their diplomatic efforts and negotiations, none were able to overcome the entrenched resistance and violent extremism that defined the region’s conflict.
It was under the leadership of President Donald J. Trump that a breakthrough was finally achieved—driven by an unyielding commitment to principle, national interest, and moral clarity. Trump and his administration refused to appease violent actors or compromise on core values. Instead, they offered unequivocal support to Israel, recognizing its right to defend itself against existential threats posed by terrorist groups such as Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis—all of whom are heavily supported by the Iranian regime.
President Trump identified these groups as what they truly are: terrorist organizations. He treated them accordingly, adopting a policy rooted in strength, deterrence, and strategic clarity. This approach contributed significantly to the eventual dismantling of these networks and led to the signing of a historic peace agreement at the 2025 Egyptian Peace Summit, announced on Monday, October 13, 2025—precisely two years and five days after the war began on October 7, 2023.
A President Unshackled by Globalist Influence
Unlike many of his predecessors, President Trump was unencumbered by the influence of globalist institutions or elite international alliances. He did not owe his political success to the entrenched power structures that often dictate foreign policy across Western democracies. Instead, he derived his authority directly from the American electorate—those who sought a return to national sovereignty and a foreign policy grounded in American values and interests.
His campaign slogan, “Make America Great Again,” was not merely rhetoric. It symbolized a deeper rejection of globalist agendas that had, for too long, placed international priorities above domestic welfare. Trump withdrew from international forums he viewed as counterproductive, exposed exploitative systems that burdened American taxpayers, and reclaimed America’s right to chart its own course.
Because no lobby, foreign power, or global institution could dictate his policies, President Trump was uniquely positioned to act on conviction rather than obligation. Free from the compromises that often bind traditional leaders, he governed with moral clarity, strategic intent, and an unwavering focus on peace through strength. This, above all, explains why President Trump succeeded where others failed.
Israel’s Struggle for Survival
As a nation of fewer than ten million people, Israel has long faced existential threats from hostile neighbors and terrorist factions. Despite numerous concessions—including vacating territories and supporting democratic elections within Palestinian regions—Israel’s efforts were often met with hostility rather than peace.
When Palestinians elected Hamas as their governing authority, international observers hoped for responsible governance. Instead, Hamas diverted resources and humanitarian aid—provided by the United Nations, Arab states, and major global powers—not toward infrastructure or welfare, but toward building tunnels, weapons caches, and command centers for terror operations. The Palestinian people were left in poverty and despair, while their leadership pursued an agenda of destruction.
The slogans of “Free Palestine” were too often a façade—not for the establishment of a peaceful and independent Palestinian state—but for the total elimination of the State of Israel. That reality shaped Israel’s strategy: a firm resolve to defend itself against annihilation.
Supported by the Trump administration, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) launched a comprehensive campaign to dismantle Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis. These groups, backed by Iran—a regime that has openly called for Israel’s destruction—were systematically neutralized. The IDF’s military precision shocked adversaries and stunned the global community.
Following the collapse of these terror networks, Israel turned its focus to degrading Iran’s military capabilities. The Iranian air force and defense infrastructure were swiftly debilitated. The regime’s failure to defend itself led to a loss of credibility both domestically and internationally.
The Human Cost—and the Turning Point
The Gaza conflict that began on October 7, 2023, extended over two years. During that period, at least 67,869 Palestinians were killed, and 170,105 were wounded. Israel suffered 1,139 casualties, with 250 individuals taken captive. These tragic figures underscore the devastating toll of war. Yet, they also reflect the consequences of years of intransigence, extremism, and failed leadership among militant factions.
Most significantly, the top leadership of Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis was eliminated. Those who championed violence and sought the eradication of Israel ultimately faced their own destruction at the hands of the very nation they sought to destroy.
Conclusion
President Trump’s legacy as a peacemaker may remain controversial to some. Yet, history will likely record that under his leadership, a decisive victory against terrorism was achieved, and the groundwork for enduring peace in the Middle East was finally laid.
While the road to peace is never easy, it is now within reach—not because of appeasement, but because of principled strength, moral clarity, and bold leadership. President Trump’s actions demonstrated that real peace is not the result of endless negotiations with those committed to violence, but of resolute action that creates the conditions necessary for diplomacy to succeed.
910 words, 5 minutes read time.
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