Global Peacemaking: Trump Learns It’s Harder Than Making Promises

Photo: Reuters via ANI

India-West News Desk

WASHINGTON, DC – Donald Trump promised to be the president who brings peace. Ukraine, Gaza, Iran—he claimed he’d tame them all. “Within 24 hours,” he said of the war in Ukraine. “Deal with Iran? Easy.” Gaza? He’d handle that too. Intractable problems of several Presidents past, Trump said he was ready.

But now, with multiple crises still simmering, Trump’s image as a global dealmaker is looking more like a high-wire act with no net.

In Ukraine, the Trump administration is close to walking away from its own peace effort. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said this week the U.S. would pull out “within days” if it doesn’t see serious movement toward a deal. The White House is openly frustrated by Russia’s refusal to budge. Behind the scenes, even European allies seem unsure of what Trump’s endgame is.

The clock is ticking, and so far, there’s little to show. Supporters see partial ceasefires and point to the minerals deal with Kyiv.  But there has been no breakthrough. And Trump’s original promise—to end the war in one day—has quietly been replaced with vague targets and mounting pressure tactics.

Gaza isn’t faring any better under Trump’s foreign policy reboot. Despite pledging to resolve the war quickly, the fighting continues. And critics say Trump’s posture—loud support for Israel and little diplomatic engagement with Palestinians—has made things worse, not better.

And then there’s Iran where Trump is placing his bets to shore up his image. A second round of talks is set for April 19 in Rome, led by Steve Witkoff, a Trump confidant with no diplomatic experience. Trump has threatened to bomb Iranian nuclear sites if talks fail. Tehran is suspicious, Israel is alarmed, and even Gulf states watching from the sidelines are growing nervous.