TRUMP'S MESSAGE – AT 11:16 A.M. ET:  President Trump seemed to be negotiating out loud in his message to Israelis this morning.  From Fox: 

President Trump, on the second leg of his first foreign trip as commander-in-chief, greeted Israeli leaders in Jerusalem Monday with hopes to lay the groundwork for a peace deal with the Palestinians – saying a “rare opportunity” exists, and the threat posed by Iran is bringing Arab neighbors together toward that goal.  

“There is a growing realization among your Arab neighbors that they have common cause with you in the threat posed by Iran,” Trump said, speaking alongside Israeli President Reuven Rivlin.
He said earlier “there’s a great feeling for peace throughout the Middle East,” and suggested a potential warming by other countries toward Israel could be one “benefit” to the long-running tensions over Iran.

“It’s brought a lot of folks together,” Trump said.

COMMENT:  That is correct.  Obviously, the feeling of partnership could be short-lived, or disappear as soon as the Iranian threat is diminished.  Or...the Sunni Arab nations, led by Saudi Arabia, will see benefit in an alliance with Israel.

If Trump can pull this off, he'll be a great president by definition.  But he shouldn't expect a Nobel Peace Prize.  Reagan wasn't given one for ending the Cold War.  Obama was given one after two days in office. 

The president has announced that he'll be returning to the Mideast soon to visit Egypt.  There's clearly a lot going on, and the Mideasterners are showing more respect for Trump than they ever did for Obama.  It's the old story of following the strong horse.  Flash strength and people listen.

May 22, 2017