Trump's aspiration to control Gaza is strange, unrealistic and absurd. But where are the counter-proposals? Where is Europe, the opposition, civil society, asks Ralf Borchardt from ARD.
We can say it straight: Trump's aspiration for Gaza is strange, unrealistic and absurd, writes Ralf Borchardt in a commentary for ARD. The mental world of a construction entrepreneur. We can ask ourselves: First he "bought" Greenland, then he "returned" the Panama Canal, now he "turned" Gaza into the "Riviera of the Middle East" - does anyone take him seriously anymore?
But that would be to belittle him, which is a very simplistic answer for several reasons:
Trump is the president and commander-in-chief of the United States
First, Trump is the elected president of the United States. He leads the most powerful military in the world. And he has power, and his words should be taken seriously.
Second, the drive for Gaza is particularly dangerous. It strengthens extremist forces on both sides - the far right in Israel, as well as the terrorist organization Hamas. For Trump, the people who are most affected - the civilian population of Gaza - come last. For them, moving would mean yet another expulsion - unacceptable and in violation of international law.
Third, one must still ask oneself whether there is not a grain of truth in Trump's thoughts. The Gaza Strip is indeed practically uninhabitable, its reconstruction will take many years. Isn't a new way of thinking needed to put an end to the endless spiral of violence?
Where is the opposition?
And these reflections lead to the logical question: What is the counter-proposal? Where are the other forces with their concept for a better development of Gaza, asks the ARD correspondent in Washington.
Trump's tactics are obvious, both domestically and in foreign policy: He shocks with maximum demands, causes confusion, then negotiates and seeks a deal. In the end, he does not achieve the maximum, but at least part of it.
That is precisely why his opponents need to wake up - both in the US and around the world. Where is the democratic opposition in Congress, where are the Republicans who are not completely submissive? Where is civil society? Where is Europe, which speaks with a common voice, puts forward counterproposals and its own ideas?
Regarding tariffs, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum showed how to approach Trump - you stay calm, think things through, take him seriously and lure him into a loop so that your plans look like concessions to him. This way you will make him take a step back.
It is easy to denounce Trump as impossible and strange. It is more difficult to oppose him.
Echo, Europe! It is time for countermeasures. Otherwise, the world will change according to the fantasies of a construction entrepreneur, summarizes Ralph Borchardt.
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This comment expresses the personal opinion of the author and may not coincide with the positions of the Bulgarian editorial office and DW as a whole.