President Trump visited a major U.S. military base in the Middle East on Thursday during his four-day trip to Gulf countries. He used this visit to say that the United States will not continue the past “interventionism” — or interfering — in the region.
Trump spoke to U.S. troops at the base in Qatar. This base was very important during the U.S. wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. It also supported recent U.S. air attacks against Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi fighters.
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During his trip, Trump praised Gulf countries like Saudi Arabia and Qatar for their economic progress. He is trying to encourage Iran to agree with his administration on a deal to limit Iran’s nuclear program.
Trump also announced plans to recognize the government of Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa and to reduce sanctions on Syria, a country damaged by war. The U.S. has had more than 1,000 troops in Syria for years to help stop the Islamic State group from returning.
Trump praised al-Sharaa, even though al-Sharaa was once connected to al-Qaida and fought against U.S. forces in Iraq. Trump called him a “tough guy” with a “strong past.” This is very different from before when al-Sharaa was arrested by U.S. troops and had a $10 million U.S. bounty on his head until last December.
On his first day in the region, speaking in Saudi Arabia, Trump told Gulf leaders that past U.S. attempts to build nations had caused more harm than good because America didn’t understand these complex societies well.
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The Qatar base has about 8,000 U.S. troops now, fewer than the 10,000 troops during the height of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. Qatar, which is rich in gas, has spent around $8 billion over 20 years to build and improve this base. The base is located about 20 miles southwest of Qatar’s capital, Doha.
The base was so secret that American military officials only said it was somewhere in “southwest Asia.”
Trump said he and Qatar’s leader would watch a demonstration of U.S. air power to help sell more American defense equipment to the region. Trump mentioned that Qatar is buying a lot of American military equipment and that they will see an impressive display of planes and other gear.
During the visit, the leaders signed agreements, including one allowing Qatar to buy American-made MQ-9B drones, which are advanced military aircraft.
Trump told al-Sharaa he wants Syria’s new government to take control of prisons holding Islamic State fighters and their families, which are currently guarded by U.S.-supported Kurdish fighters. If this happens, it could mean fewer U.S. troops will be needed in Syria.
