Gaza Summit Drama: Trump's Elaborate Blend of Flattery and Critique

An Unfashionably Late Arrival

As the spotlight shone on the stage at the Gaza summit, anticipation lingered in the air. Those gathered wondered whether Donald Trump, often self-titled the world’s greatest peacemaker, would dole out praises or barbs. His late arrival only heightened the tension, leaving many world leaders in a mix of admiration and agitation, as the US President took his time to grace the summit with his flamboyant presence.

Praise for the Favored

With a knack for showmanship, Trump greeted Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, highlighting his extravagant footwear and referencing his wealth in a candid manner that left a mark. Then came Giorgia Meloni, the lone woman at the summit, earning a rare compliment that Trump mused would be career-ending back in the US. This was a moment of levity amidst the political pomp, underscoring Trump’s unpredictable style.

Turkey’s President, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, was singled out with admiration. For Trump, Erdoğan’s mix of military might and solitary demeanor positioned him as a formidable yet admired ally. Such a blend of Genghis Khan’s strength with Greta Garbo’s mystique seemed to strike Trump’s fancy, solidifying his annual vote of confidence in Erdoğan’s leadership.

Critiques and Casual Dismissals

Conversely, Trump displayed an insouciant detachment toward some leaders. The Iraqi Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani, sustained a backhanded compliment regarding his nation’s oil riches, perhaps hinting at complex sentiments beneath the surface.

In a sharp contrast to Iraqi fortunes, the UK’s representative, Keir Starmer, found himself cast back into political obscurity. Trump, seizing the opportunity for bombastic theater, graciously thanked Starmer for his fleeting presence and nudged him back to Britain’s customary shadows in the world theater, cutting short what could have been a promising speech.

The Masters of Diplomatic Praise

The Pakistani Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, skillfully navigated Trump’s charisma. His prolific tribute showered Trump and his team with gratitude for averting a nuclear crisis, creating a moment of levity as Trump attempted, unsuccessfully, to partake in Sharif’s praise-heavy narrative, thwarted by the prime minister’s persistence.

A Strategic Absence

Perhaps the most shrewdly calculated move at the summit was that of Masoud Pezeshkian, Iran’s President. By electing to decline the invitation, he shielded himself from Trump’s unpredictable antics, evading what might have been an awkward exchange and wisely preserving his dignity.

As stated in The Guardian, the Gaza summit, with its mix of personal flourishes and diplomatic faux pas, painted a vivid tableau of Trump’s intriguing methods in international diplomacy.