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Trump radicalizes US Mideast policies

After US President Donald Trump’s statements in Davos, Europeans and Palestinians fear radicalized US policies on the Middle East.
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For the first time since the year 2000, a sitting US president arrived at the Swiss Alps town of Davos to take part in the World Economic Forum. But more than his mere participation, President Donald Trump shocked European and other guests by the statements he made there.

Referring to the Palestinian refusal to meet with Vice President Mike Pence Jan. 22, Trump attacked Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, stating, “They disrespected us a week ago by not allowing our great vice president to see them.” Even more dramatic and significant was Trump’s reiterated threat to cut US financial assistance to the Palestinians. He said, “Money is not going to them unless they sit down and negotiate peace.” Trump echoed former threats by his administration to slash funding by $65 million for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East.

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