Raghida Dergham, a prominent political analyst, argues that the chaos surrounding the “Signal fiasco” underscores a broader pattern in U.S. Middle East policy shaped by the so-called “Trump doctrine.” The Signal fiasco refers to a situation or event that exposed the erratic and often unpredictable nature of U.S. actions under former President Donald Trump, particularly in relation to the Middle East. According to Dergham, this chaos is not an anomaly but a reflection of a consistent, underlying strategy that defined Trump’s approach to the region.
The “Trump doctrine,” as described by Dergham, is characterized by unilateralism, a disregard for traditional alliances, and a focus on transactional relationships. Trump’s policies in the Middle East were often marked by bold, abrupt decisions—such as withdrawing from the Iran nuclear deal, recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, and supporting Saudi Arabia without regard for human rights concerns. These actions, while sometimes hailed by Trump’s base as moves that put “America first,” have been criticized for their inconsistency and lack of a clear long-term strategy.
Dergham suggests that the chaos surrounding these decisions, especially in critical moments like the aftermath of the assassination of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani, reveals a pattern of impulsive foreign policy actions that were not always aligned with the broader interests of the U.S. or its allies. This approach led to increased instability in the region, as Trump’s decisions often lacked the diplomatic groundwork and multilateral engagement that characterized previous U.S. administrations.
The Signal fiasco, for Dergham, symbolizes how Trump’s erratic policies often created confusion and uncertainty among both allies and adversaries. The lack of coherent messaging and consistent policy direction reflected the broader instability that marked U.S. foreign policy during his tenure. In conclusion, Dergham’s analysis suggests that the chaos surrounding events like the Signal fiasco is a direct result of the Trump doctrine’s emphasis on unpredictability and unilateral action in the Middle East.
