Trump Is Better for the Arab World

For decades, the Arab World has felt the profound effects of US foreign policy. This November, the American people will select a new president who will steer that policy during a time in which Americans and Arabs alike question the US’s role in the Middle East. Republican nominee Donald Trump and Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton represent two very different choices in this respect.

 

Trump’s supporters see him as a representative for a new approach that puts America first and shies away from engagement that does not serve direct benefits to the American people. While the Trump campaign has taken on a tough rhetoric against terrorism, it has also warned against getting the country involved in faraway conflicts that cost the US money and further destabilize the region (pointing to the 2011 intervention in Libya as an example). The Republican candidate has also called for other countries to develop stronger independent defenses in lieu of being protected by US military power.

Supporters of former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on the other hand, see her as the more experienced candidate, with years of foreign policy experience in the Middle East and a sharp political acumen. They believe that under her leadership the United States can play an active role in the region, coordinating policy with its regional allies to defeat ISIS.

Clinton and others have called Trump’s foreign policy proposals “dangerous” and vague, and accused him of fear mongering and bigotry towards Muslims. They claim he hasn't presented a clear vision on how to handle the Syrian crisis and has strongly rejected the idea of accepting refugees. Trump supporters, on the other hand, argue that he’s saying the things that others are afraid to, proving that he will firmly deal with security and terrorism issues.

Despite the controversy surrounding him, is a Donald Trump presidency better for the Arab World? Submit a video no longer than 99 seconds telling us why you agree or disagree with the motion. Video submissions are open until October 1 at 23:00 GMT. Voting ends on October 3 at 23:00 GMT.