Nuance and diplomacy needed in the Middle East, something that Donald Trump lacks
The Middle East conflict has highlighted the dangers of putting someone like Donald Trump at the levers of power. Trump has become accustomed to bending people to his will in the US but the global stage is far more complex and requires nuance.
Trump sees this conflict, as he sees many political decisions, through the lens of a business deal. As highlighted by his proposition to join forces with Iran to charge countries to use the Strait of Hormuz.
And the Foreign Secretary is right to say that the US President’s language during the conflict has been “completely wrong”.
There are some who believe that Britain should have been more involved in the current war with Iran. And the Government’s position has led to Britain’s relationship with the US being damaged. A lot of work will need to be done to repair that relationship. The onus for which is just as much on the US as Britain.
It comes down to trust and the reality is that Trump simply cannot be trusted. So even closer involvement in the current conflict could have left Britain in a compromised position.
The one lesson that the Government needs to learn fast is the need to invest in defence. While Trump was most likely trying to play provocateur by describing British aircraft carriers as “toys” and “broken-down”, there is a kernel of truth when it comes to our defence capabilities.
In an increasingly dangerous world it would be negligent to continue to under invest in defence.
Sir Keir Starmer’s presence in the Gulf is reassuring but he will need to be at the top of his diplomatic game to help bring an end to the current impasse.