by Muhammad Mohsin Iqbal

As the world watches the return of President Donald Trump to office, a range of expectations and cautious optimism emerge on the international stage, especially from Pakistan and its regional neighbors in the Middle East. President Trump’s previous term showcased a distinctive approach to foreign policy—one marked by unpredictable decisions, a focus on “America First” policies, and a mixed legacy of both diplomatic breakthroughs and heightened tensions. In his new term, global actors anticipate that Trump will navigate regional challenges with renewed vigor, aiming to balance his national priorities with pressing international issues. Countries like Pakistan are especially interested in how his leadership might affect regional stability, security cooperation, and economic ties.

For Pakistan, a second Trump administration presents both opportunities and challenges. While Trump’s previous stance on Pakistan showed ambivalence, there remains hope that he might work toward a more constructive relationship this time around. In the past, Trump’s administration held a hardline position on Pakistan’s role in counterterrorism efforts, voicing concerns about security and support for regional stability. However, there were also positive signals, such as the 2020 United States-Taliban peace deal, which Pakistan facilitated, leading to the eventual U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. This role in fostering peace efforts could serve as a basis for improved diplomatic and security relations between Pakistan and the U.S., where mutual interests in counterterrorism and stability may once again come into focus.

Furthermore, economic cooperation is an area that Pakistan hopes to expand under Trump’s new term. Although Trump’s previous administration did not prioritize economic engagements with Pakistan, his policies often leaned toward bilateral deals that could offer opportunities for countries willing to engage. Pakistan may seek more favorable terms in trade and investment, especially in sectors such as agriculture, technology, and renewable energy. With Pakistan facing economic challenges, a focus on strengthening trade ties with the U.S. could be crucial. Additionally, Pakistan hopes that Trump’s administration will acknowledge Pakistan’s importance as a strategic partner in South Asia, a region becoming increasingly vital to global geopolitics.

The Middle East remains a region of particular interest to Trump and his foreign policy team. The previous Trump administration recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, brokered the Abraham Accords, and imposed heavy sanctions on Iran, decisions that polarized opinion across the region. Expectations are high regarding how Trump will now approach key Middle Eastern issues, particularly the Palestinian cause, Lebanon’s stability, and Iran’s regional influence. For Palestinians, there remains hope that the U.S. will play a more balanced role in fostering peace with Israel. Trump’s earlier stance was clearly in favor of Israel, but his legacy includes the Abraham Accords, which, despite their controversies, showed that new forms of engagement were possible. Palestinians are hopeful that Trump might reconsider policies that previously appeared one-sided, encouraging a more just approach that acknowledges Palestinian sovereignty and rights.

In Lebanon, the hope is for greater American involvement in the country’s recovery from years of economic instability, political gridlock, and social upheaval. Trump’s administration previously placed pressure on Hezbollah and took a firm stance on limiting Iranian influence in Lebanon, moves that polarized local opinion. Moving forward, there is an expectation that the U.S. will offer more comprehensive support to help Lebanon stabilize without exacerbating sectarian tensions. By adopting a more balanced approach, Trump’s administration could help mitigate internal divisions within Lebanon, supporting a recovery that respects the country’s complex social fabric.

The re-election of Trump brings with it concerns in Iran, as Trump’s previous term saw the U.S. withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and a series of escalating sanctions that crippled Iran’s economy. It remains uncertain whether Trump will pursue a renewed deal or maintain pressure on Tehran, a policy that often-strained relations across the region. Many hope that Trump will opt for dialogue over confrontation, potentially re-engaging Iran in discussions that prioritize regional stability over rivalry. Should Trump shift towards a more diplomatic approach, this could contribute significantly to easing tensions not only between the U.S. and Iran but also among other regional powers.

Perhaps one of the most pressing areas for Pakistan and South Asia is the long-standing issue of Kashmir. During his last administration, Trump offered to mediate between India and Pakistan, a move that drew both criticism and support. For Pakistan, there is hope that Trump will leverage his influence to promote a just and peaceful solution to the Kashmir conflict, which has been a major source of tension between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. The Trump administration previously aligned closely with India, viewing it as a strategic partner in countering Chinese influence in the region. However, if Trump seeks a more balanced approach, his administration could play a role in fostering dialogue on Kashmir, recognizing the aspirations of the Kashmiri people while encouraging diplomatic engagement between India and Pakistan. This would be a significant shift that could not only ease tensions in South Asia but also reinforce America’s role as a mediator in global conflict resolution.

Trump’s party, the Republican Party, has generally championed strong military alliances and economic self-interest. However, the party’s conservative principles also emphasize respect for national sovereignty and bilateral relations, two elements that may shape Trump’s foreign policy this term. By focusing on bilateral ties rather than extensive multilateral engagements, Trump might prioritize individual relationships, enabling Pakistan and other nations to negotiate on equal terms. This emphasis on direct engagements could allow countries like Pakistan to advocate for their unique strategic interests and seek a more balanced partnership with the U.S.

In sum, the world approaches Trump’s return with mixed expectations, hopeful yet cautious. For Pakistan, there is the potential for stronger economic and security ties, a more balanced approach to regional conflicts, and support for diplomatic solutions in South Asia. In the Middle East, hopes revolve around a fairer approach to the Palestinian issue, constructive involvement in Lebanon, and potentially renewed talks with Iran. If Trump’s administration takes a pragmatic approach, it could open new avenues for cooperation and understanding, fostering a legacy of stability and mutual respect that would benefit not only America but its global partners as well. As Trump prepares to navigate these complex issues, the world watches with anticipation, hoping his leadership will prioritize lasting peace and cooperation.

By: Qamar Bashir

The Working America organization deployed a force of 400 trained canvassers over a month, traveling in more than 60 vans with seven canvassers per vehicle, going door-to-door to campaign for Kamala Harris in the entire Michigan. Despite this substantial investment and effort, the results fell short of expectations, with Trump leading significantly in Michigan, capturing 51.9% of the vote compared to Harris’s 46.3%. The likely victory by Trump also contradicted many national surveys that had consistently projected Harris as the frontrunner.

This trend extended beyond Michigan, as Republicans were enjoying a comfortable lead across much of the country, leaving Democrats anxious as the midnight hour approached. The unexpected shift also sent shockwaves to Democratic supporters and international allies in Europe and beyond.

As of now, Harris has secured 194 electoral votes, trailing Trump’s 246, leaving him only 24 votes shy of the 270 needed to win the White House as the clock passes midnight in the U.S.

This created an atmosphere of global uncertainty and concern. While absentee and mail-in ballots are still being counted, a reversal appears almost impossible. Importantly, the election process has been deemed fair by 83% of surveyed voters, minimizing any doubts about potential manipulation.

Overall, Harris’s campaign appears to have underperformed across multiple states, highlighting the effects of a perceived lack of effective campaigning. Notably, her projected support among women and Black voters did not meet expectations, reflecting a broader struggle to resonate with key voter demographics.

Trump was successful in swaying male voters, securing 54% of their support by focusing on issues like abortion rights, economic challenges, inflation, and job losses. In contrast, Harris garnered 44% of the male vote. Among new and younger voters, many of whom recently entered the job market, discontent with the Democrats’ economic performance led to a shift toward Trump, with 55% favoring him compared to 44% for Harris.

White voters heavily supported Trump, with 72% aligning with him on issues related to immigration, white identity concerns, and opposition to legalized abortion. Although Harris won 66% of the female vote—driven by strong support for abortion rights—this was insufficient to swing the election in her favor.

There was a notable alignment among white men aiming to prevent a Black and South Asian woman from ascending to the presidency and becoming the commander-in-chief of the U.S. Armed Forces, one of the world’s most powerful positions.

Confidence in Trump’s crisis-management abilities was also higher, with 50% of voters believing he could handle crises better than Harris, who received 48% in this regard.

In Washington, D.C., a large crowd of Democratic supporters had gathered outside the party’s headquarters, hoping for a decisive win. However, as the night wore on, disappointment set in as they watched the election slip away. Meanwhile, a jubilant crowd at the Republican headquarters in New York celebrated noisily, ready to welcome Trump’s expected victory. Disappointed, Harris postponed her planned address to supporters. In contrast, Trump prepared to give a victory speech, laying out his vision for the next four years for one of the world’s most powerful nations.

Trump skillfully dismantled the Democrats’ election agenda, which had centered on promises to reduce food prices, support working families, provide $25,000 to first-time homebuyers, and cut tax rates for middle-class households. However, public sentiment leaned heavily toward skepticism. Many questioned how the Biden administration, with Kamala Harris as Vice President, could fulfill these promises now when they had struggled to deliver on similar commitments while in power. This perception further strengthened Trump’s position, as voters viewed the Democrats’ pledges as hollow, given their track record over the past term.

The post-midnight results stunned Democrats. In Arizona, Trump led Harris narrowly at 49.7% to 49.5%, with abortion rights proving pivotal. Harris won her home state of California with a strong 61.2%, securing 59 electoral votes. However, Trump claimed Florida with 56.2% over Harris’s 42.9% and took Georgia (50.7%) and Iowa (55.1%) due to strong rural support. In Idaho, Trump led with 59.1%, while North Carolina also went to him with 50.7% over Harris’s 47.8%. Harris won Oregon comfortably at 59.2%, yet underperformed in Pennsylvania, a critical swing state, where Trump led 50.8%. Trump also led in Wisconsin, 51% to 47.3%, cementing his edge in key battlegrounds.

Now it is not rocket science that Donald Trump has won the 2024 U.S. presidential election and the situation is not going to change even if all votes are counted, which might take a few more days.

With Trump the world is now unscrambling itself to face sweeping changes in the USA’s  approach to the Middle East, the Russia-Ukraine war, NATO, and China could significantly.

Trump has traditionally favored a “peace through strength” doctrine, potentially leading to an assertive stance in supporting Israel while promoting diplomatic engagements to avoid direct U.S. involvement in new conflicts.

Trump’s previous skepticism of NATO could resurface, with calls for greater burden-sharing among member countries, potentially affecting NATO’s united front against Russia. In the case of Russia-Ukraine, Trump has shown interest in swiftly negotiating an end to the conflict, which may lead to a pressured peace deal that could favor Russia or at least reduce U.S. military aid, drawing criticism domestically and internationally.

On the domestic front, Trump’s economic policies have historically included tax cuts, deregulation, and tariffs—especially against China, which he views as a critical economic rival. A more protectionist stance on China could lead to heightened trade tensions, potentially impacting global supply chains and increasing U.S. manufacturing costs, though it may boost certain U.S.-based industries.

Trump’s past emphasis on limiting immigration to protect American jobs could lead to stricter immigration policies, which may face opposition from businesses reliant on immigrant labor, particularly in tech and agriculture.

Economically, Trump is likely to prioritize policies aimed at GDP growth, possibly including tax cuts and reducing regulations on fossil fuels to spur energy independence. However, these moves could risk higher inflation if not carefully balanced with monetary policy.

The overall impact on inflation, jobs, and GDP growth would depend heavily on his administration’s ability to navigate international uncertainties while managing domestic economic pressures effectively.

By Qamar Bashir

Press Secretary to the President(Rtd)

Former Press Minister at Embassy of Pakistan to France

Former MD, SRBC