Washington: In 2025, US President Donald Trump made waves globally with his controversial decisions and preferences. Trump consistently expressed his desire to end conflicts and promote peace, advocating for a return to "business as usual." The effectiveness and longevity of his approaches remain topics of debate.
According to Anadolu Agency, despite the global turbulence caused by Trump's policies, the Eastern Mediterranean emerged as a beneficiary. In 2025, Trump departed from traditional Washington strategies, dismissed ineffective policies of prior administrations, and placed trust in key Eastern Mediterranean figures. As a result, the region's future appears more promising than it has in decades.
The optimism, however, is relative. At the start of 2025, Israel continued its aggressive actions in Gaza, but a fragile ceasefire is now in place, albeit frequently violated by Israel. Negotiations for international security forces in Gaza continue, with Trump pressuring Tel Aviv to accept Turkey's involvement. Meanwhile, Syria's new government, initially uncertain, has stabilized despite Israeli attempts to create unrest, and international sanctions have been lifted, improving Syria's outlook.
Trump's relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also evolved. Previously viewed as allies, Trump's growing dissatisfaction with Netanyahu has become evident. Netanyahu's aggressive actions, including a failed assassination attempt on Hamas negotiators in Qatar, have strained their relationship. Publicly, Trump urges Netanyahu to "be reasonable," yet Netanyahu's actions continue to threaten regional stability.
Netanyahu's recent political recognition of Somaliland drew wide condemnation, seen as a reactionary move against Turkey's influence in Africa. Trump's response questioned the significance of Somaliland, highlighting the growing rift between him and Netanyahu. As the 2026 US midterm elections approach, Trump's policies have shifted away from Netanyahu's preferences, influenced by changing public opinion and internal party dynamics.
In Syria, Trump's policy shift became clear when he met with Syria's new President Ahmed al-Sharaa and later invited him to the White House. This marked a significant change in US-Syria relations. Trump's approach to Turkey also changed, evidenced by his ambassadorial choice and policy adjustments in response to regional dynamics.
Looking forward to 2026, positive developments are emerging beyond Syria and Gaza. Azerbaijan and Armenia are engaging in cooperative dialogue, Libya remains stable, and the PKK's disarmament process is ongoing. A new transportation and economic corridor is under construction, connecting the Gulf, Iraq, Turkey, and the Balkans.
These developments have either begun or gained momentum in 2025, highlighting a new era of hope for the Eastern Mediterranean. While Trump's policies in other regions face scrutiny, his decisions in this area have fostered a sense of stability after years of turmoil.