The American people elected Donald Trump as the 47th president in one of the most remarkable political comebacks in modern U.S. history. Despite all the controversy and his polarizing personality, there is a silver lining in his return to the White House.

Middle Eastern leaders have already shown respect for his return to governance. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, Qatari Emir Sheikh Al-Thani, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and so many others have congratulated Trump on his victory. For the first time since the Gaza war, Morocco has also reasserted its ties with Israel.

Whether it be traditional politicking or genuine satisfaction with the outcome of the American election, Middle Eastern leaders respect Trump and fear his unpredictability and strength. Though Trump is a master of theatrics, his first term showed he was unafraid to act decisively — notably with the historic Abraham Accords and the elimination of Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani.

This combination of bold talk and action resonates in the Middle East, where strength of voice and initiative is the lingua franca.

In the U.S., many Americans struggle to see the value of a strongman’s return to the White House for reestablishing deterrence and bolstering U.S. foreign policy. Although many Americans find Trump’s style distasteful, he can improve by speaking more frequently about the successes of his first-term Middle East policies and clarifying how his approach enhances alliances and deters adversaries.

Even Arab Americans emerged from the election with such realizations. In stark contrast to 2020, when Arab Americans overwhelmingly backed President Biden, Arab Americans favored Trump over Vice President Kamala Harris in this election. Dearborn, Mich., characterized as “America’s Jihad Capital” in a Wall Street Journal........

© The Hill