How West Asia Sees Donald Trump's Victory

Donald Trump’s victory in US could have a huge impact on West Asia. While some hope Trump would call an end to the broiling wars in the region, some do not expect much from the Republican, if not worse.

Israel

Last time the Republican was a President, Israel President Benjamin Netanyahu was very delighted that he even named a place after the Republican – Trump Heights. With the Republican’s return to office, West Asia is bracing up for a wild run.

During Netanyahu’s recent visit to US, Kamala Harris said she was unhappy with the number of civilians being killed in Gaza. At the same time, Trump said Tel Aviv should be allowed to “finish the job”.

After Trump declared victory, Netanyahu immediately congratulated him by saying that it was “history’s greatest comeback”.

Experts say that since Republicans now enjoys a upper hand in the US senate, Netanyahu can count on US to back him in laws against any kind of support for Palestinian issues, any sort of sanctions against Israel and possibly the UN if the organisation managed step in support of the Palestinian cause.

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Israel also hopes that Trump would revoke sanctions and asset freeze on settler groups and individuals involved in violence against Palestinians in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, which was imposed by Biden administration.

Iran

Last time Trump was in White House, it was disastrous for Iran. he pulled out of a nuclear deal that had begun to reduce sanctions in exchange for Tehran limiting its nuclear capacity. Instead, he added further 1,500 sanctions including significant impact on Iran’s oil sales and banking sectors, debilitating the country’s economy.

Mentioning Iran during his speech in Florida on election night, Trump said “can’t have nuclear weapons.” “I’d like them to be a very successful country,” he added, but declined to detail specific plans for US-Iran relations.

Iran downplayed the US election. Government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani said Iranians will not be affected by the US vote. “The US elections are not really our business. Our policies are steady and don’t change based on individuals. We made the necessary predictions before, and there will not be change in people’s livelihoods”, he said, according to Tasnim news agency.

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Iran’s currency also fell an all-time low as Trump emerged winner. The rial traded at 703,000 rials to the dollar, said media reports.

Lebanon

Reportedly, people in Lebanon believe that Trump’s Presidency could only see more death and destructions. The Iran-aligned militant groups of the country, Hezbollah believe that US is a part of the current war in the region and cannot be a negotiator or a mediator.    Hezbollah accused Israel of giving unwavering support for its war on Gaza, and Lebanon.

Gaza

Palestinians does not believe in any US leaders anymore, and have ow hopes that any leader from US would end the war. During his previous term, Trump has cut down funding to UNRWA, a United Nations agency for Palestinians.

While Trump has repeatedly said that he would end all wars, Palestinians believe that Netanyahu wanted to continue war until he reaches his political and military objectives, and Trump will support him undoubtedly.