Representative Himes Offers Praise for Trump’s Middle East Strategy

Connecticut Representative Jim Himes expressed a rare admiration for President Donald Trump on Thursday, stating that he has “played the Middle East quite well.”

Trump has garnered praise from various groups for his efforts to forge strong strategic partnerships in the Middle East aimed at promoting stability and economic growth. While speaking in Doha, Qatar, he mentioned his thoughts on the U.S. and Iran, claiming, “We are approaching a nuclear deal without violence.”

Earlier this week, the president revealed plans to lift U.S. sanctions on Syria, marking the first time in 25 years that a sitting president has engaged with Syria.

Himes, who holds a key position on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, provided a rare moment of acknowledgment to the Republican president at the Politico security summit.

“I don’t typically praise Donald Trump,” Himes began, but he felt compelled to commend Trump for exceeding expectations in his Middle Eastern endeavors last week.

Expressing concern, he added, “I’m entering the week fearing that the Israeli Prime Minister might be faltering in his fight against Iran. I worry about missing an opportunity in Syria for my new leader.”

“I suspect that the Israeli Prime Minister is somewhat stifling Iran’s plans. I think he may be considering a better scenario than the one he wants for Gaza,” he noted. “And honestly, I’m willing to give Alshara a chance in Syria. That’s positive. Again, I rarely praise this president, but credit is due.”

Politico’s senior political columnist, Jonathan Martin, humorously pointed out that some Democrats end up praising Trump for reasons similar to those that some within his party oppose him. He mentioned that Trump’s approach tends to be bolder compared to the hawkish tendencies within his party.

Himes reflected on the backlash following the Iraq War as a reason for his cautious stance, stating, “I’m wary of sweeping statements, yet I believe many foreign policy errors stem from underestimating military involvement and its complexities.”

“Rebuilding the region is key,” Martin suggested, possibly alluding to the broader ambitions for governmental change in the Middle East.

Himes concluded, “We’re redesigning the region. We’ll see how it transforms the world in pivotal moments.” He joins a number of unexpected voices acknowledging Trump’s bold moves in the Middle East, with many former officials also expressing similar sentiments.