image generated by AI: the futuristic image of Riviera-style city in the Middle east.

Trump’s Vision for a ‘Riviera of the Middle East’

According to the mainstream media, with a single sentence, Donald Trump upended decades of US foreign policy: “The US will take over the Gaza Strip, and we will do a job with it, too.”

The former president outlined a vision of “long-term ownership” without relying on American taxpayer money, resulting in the creation of what he called the “Riviera of the Middle East.” The grandiose promise harkens back to past US-led reconstruction efforts, most notably the Marshall Plan, which played a crucial role in reshaping war-torn Europe after World War II. Under this initiative, Japan, once devastated by conflict, was transformed into an economic powerhouse under US guidance, with major investments in industry, infrastructure, and governance. Trump’s rhetoric suggests a similar model—but in a vastly different geopolitical landscape.

A long-standing critic of American involvement in “endless” foreign conflicts, Trump initially did not dismiss the use of military force. However, by this time, he asserted that no American troops would be necessary, stating that Gaza would be “turned over to the US by Israel” once the fighting had ceased.

Yet, his plan raises critical questions: Who would fund such an ambitious endeavor? And what does “long-term ownership” entail? Japan’s post-war reconstruction was marked by extensive US financial assistance, the establishment of democratic institutions, and a commitment to economic liberalization. Could a similar approach be viable in a region as fraught as Gaza, where political, cultural, and historical tensions run deep?

Trump’s vision also evokes the golden days of Beirut, once known as the “Paris of the Middle East.” In its mid-20th-century heyday, Lebanon boasted a thriving economy, a cosmopolitan elite, and a reputation as a global hub for finance and tourism. However, decades of war and political strife have reduced the country to economic despair. If history is any indication, transforming Gaza into a Riviera-like destination is far from a simple task, requiring sustained stability, economic investment, and international cooperation—factors that have remained elusive in the region.

Palestinians, Trump suggested, should be permanently resettled elsewhere. Standing beside him at the White House on Tuesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared elated. After all, Trump was articulating a long-held ambition of Israel’s far right: the displacement of millions of Palestinians from one of the most embattled enclaves on Earth.

Whether Trump's vision is a genuine plan or merely another rhetorical flourish remains to be seen. Yet, comparing his proposal to the Marshall Plan or Japan’s post-war recovery raises stark differences. Unlike the rebuilding of Japan, which was carried out with clear strategic goals and long-term commitment, Trump’s “Riviera of the Middle East” seems to lack the diplomatic and financial foundation necessary for true reconstruction. Instead, it risks being another mirage in the shifting sands of Middle Eastern geopolitics.

However, there is reason for optimism. With the right international backing, visionary leadership, and a commitment to economic growth, Gaza could indeed become a beacon of prosperity in the Middle East. Imagine a future where world-class resorts line the coast, bustling markets showcase regional artisans, and a thriving tech sector draws investment from Silicon Valley to the Arabian Gulf. This could be a once-in-a-generation opportunity to bring peace and economic resurgence to a land long defined by conflict.

The world has seen the power of transformation before—Germany and Japan rose from the ashes to become global economic leaders. Why not Gaza? If executed with sincerity and cooperation, Trump's bold vision has the potential to reshape history, offering a brighter future not just for the region but for the world.

Now is the time for leaders, investors, and visionaries to come together and turn this promise into reality. The opportunity for lasting change is within reach—will the world rise to the occasion? Join the conversation and be part of the movement that could redefine the future of the Middle East.

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By, Zadock Zenas (kernel text)

Slovenia

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