Source: Christian Science Monitor
by staff
“In almost every corner of the world since late January, the ‘America First’ agenda of President Donald Trump has nudged nations to rethink their identity, even core principles. Europe has tightened its unity around higher defense spending. Canadians have reinvigorated their identity. American allies scattered across Asia are looking more to each other for support. For now, an inward-looking United States is forcing introspection elsewhere. Less noticed has been a marked shift in the Middle East. Last Tuesday, Arab leaders endorsed a $53 billion plan to reconstruct a ravaged Gaza in phases if the current ceasefire holds. It would create multinational governance over the enclave – without offering a role to Hamas and without blaming Israel for the destruction. The plan, designed by Egypt, indirectly rebuffs Mr. Trump’s impractical offer to relocate the Palestinian residents to Egypt and Jordan and turn Gaza into a Riviera-style beach resort.” (03/10/25)