Donald of Arabia

"I really don't care if Trump becomes Trump in front of the Europeans. They don't like our new President anyhow. I do however, hope that Donald Trump keeps playing his 'A' game in Israel as well as the Vatican."

Well he did it. Much to the chagrin and surprise of those on the Left (not to mention the media). Donald Trump rode into Saudi Arabia on Air Force One, and conquered. Conquered what? Conquered the fear that many in the Middle East had that America, their one time great friend, was going to leave them high and dry and start playing footsie with the hated Iranians.

Whereas T. E. Lawrence (the real Lawrence of Arabia) was known as a liaison in the Middle East during the very messy Ottoman Empire days, Donald Trump did not go to Saudi Arabia to be a liaison - he went to be a fixer. Were the Saudis apprehensive about this new President who on the campaign trail threatened to put an end to Muslims entering the country? Not a bit. As one man on the street of Riyadh said, "That was just campaign talk."

When President Trump addressed a hall full of diplomats from Saudi Arabia and neighboring countries, he stuck to the script. He softened his tone about Islamic Terrorists, and put about three coats of paint on Iran for being the new Satan of the Middle East. The suppressed joy in that room was palpable. After being thrown under the bus for eight years, the Arab world finally believes that America has a President who "gets it".

In order to give everyone proper credit, Jared Kushner did a wonderful job in "plowing the road". He got the negotiation rolling with the Saudis as well as Lockheed Martin. He was able to get Lockheed Martin to lower the price of the THAAD, just enough to where it would fit into the Saudi's budget.

So President Trump flew out of Saudi Arabia with the following 1) This was the first time ever a President started a trip by visiting Saudi Arabia first. That was a strong message. 2) We have a $110B arms deal with the potential of it growing to $350B. Jobs, jobs, jobs. 3) The Saudis agreed to "pony up" more money and troops to provide for their own security. 4) The Arab world knows we have their back when it comes to Iran.

One more thing could come out of this trip. Now that he is in Israel, the President is getting another warm welcome. We have two strong allies in the Middle East who do not have relations with each other. Yes, it is important that Donald Trump tries to broker a deal with the Israel/Palestine issue. But there is more.

I think it is also important that "Donald of Arabia" tries to be the liaison that Lawrence of Arabia was. Having better relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel would be the cherry on the frosting for this trip. 

As the trip winds down, I really don't care if Trump becomes Trump in front of the Europeans. They don't like our new President anyhow. Plus they are a lost cause.

I do however, hope that Donald Trump keeps playing his "A" game in Israel as well as the Vatican. So far, so good. I just hope his staff keeps his Twitter Account on idle for a little while longer.