US President Donald Trump offered a mix of frustration and defiance in his comments when asked by a Afghanistani reporter about the country’s ongoing struggles and the role of the Taliban. Trump claimed that he could not understand her and said: “It’s a beautiful voice and a beautiful accent. The only problem is I can’t understand a word you’re saying, but… Good luck. Live in peace.”
Trump’s remarks came amid broader discussions about US foreign policy in the Middle East, especially concerning the Taliban’s resurgence after America’s chaotic withdrawal in 2021. The US retreat, a key point of contention in Trump’s political rhetoric, was labelled by him as “the most embarrassing day” in the country’s history.
Speaking at a press conference alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump also proposed that the United States take “ownership” of Gaza and redevelop the area into “the Riviera of the Middle East.”
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“I believe the US will take over the Gaza Strip, and we will do a job with it too,” Trump stated, outlining his vision for turning the war-torn region into a desirable destination. “It’ll be wonderful for the people — Palestinians mostly,” he added, indicating that the US would take responsibility for both the redevelopment and the relocation of its current inhabitants.
Trump’s proposal comes amidst fragile ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas and a growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Despite widespread criticism, including from key allies in the Middle East like Egypt and Jordan, Trump insists that the Palestinians have no choice but to leave what he described as a “big pile of rubble.”
During his time in office, Trump had initiated peace talks with the Taliban, aiming for a strategic exit. However, he cancelled a planned meeting at Camp David in 2019 after a Taliban attack killed a US soldier. This move led to the collapse of talks, with Trump emphasising that the Taliban had “ruined” the possibility of peace through violence. Trump had repeatedly insisted that the US would leave Afghanistan on its terms, ensuring a withdrawal that would secure American interests.
In the aftermath of the Taliban’s takeover, Trump has been vocal about his belief that the US should have had a stronger hand in the region, even considering a more direct involvement to reshape Afghanistan.