Massad Boulos, a Lebanese-American businessman and father-in-law to Donald Trump, has been appointed as a senior adviser on Middle Eastern affairs. His role may heavily influence U.S. policy in the region amid significant challenges. Known for his connections in Lebanon and active political engagement, Boulos’s selection highlights a potential increase in U.S.-Arab relations.
Massad Boulos, a Lebanese-American businessman and the father-in-law of Donald Trump’s daughter Tiffany, has been appointed as a senior adviser on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs by President-elect Trump. This selection positions Mr. Boulos to potentially exert significant influence over U.S. foreign policy regarding the Middle East, amid ongoing regional challenges such as the crisis in Lebanon, the humanitarian situation in Gaza, and escalating tensions in Syria.
Originating from an influential Greek Orthodox family in the Lebanese town of Kafaraka, known for its olive oil production, Mr. Boulos has a history of political involvement, although he claims no affiliation with any specific party. His close ties to Lebanon’s Christian elite, particularly with political figures like Suleiman Frangieh, alongside his educational background in Texas and a successful career in Nigeria’s automotive industry, have solidified his status in both business and political spheres.
In his ascent from relative obscurity to a prominent role in the Trump administration, Mr. Boulos played a significant role during the election by securing support from Arab Americans in key states. He has also engaged directly with Middle Eastern leaders, fostering communication between Trump’s team and figures such as Mahmoud Abbas of the Palestinian Authority, which showcases the diplomatic potential of his new role.
Following his appointment, various Lebanese politicians have expressed hope that Mr. Boulos’s influence could elevate Lebanon’s concerns within the U.S. government. There are sentiments that this could represent a unique moment for Lebanon and the Arab world to gain attention at the highest levels of American decision-making.
Massad Boulos enters his advisory role amid complex geopolitical challenges in the Middle East. His familial connections to Trump, combined with his business acumen and previous efforts to engage with Arab American communities, provide him with a distinctive platform. Alongside his personal background from Lebanon, the existing tensions in countries like Syria and the evolving situation in Gaza frame the importance of his position. His relationships within the local elite in Lebanon also highlight the intertwining of business interests and political influence in the region.
The appointment of Massad Boulos as a senior adviser indicates a strategic maneuver by President-elect Trump to strengthen U.S. connections with Arab and Middle Eastern nations. As a member of Trump’s inner circle, Mr. Boulos’s dual heritage and business success may allow for a more nuanced approach to U.S. foreign policy in the region, which remains fraught with challenges. His role may serve as a bridge between the U.S. and Middle Eastern leaders, potentially addressing pressing issues affecting countries like Lebanon, Gaza, and Syria.
Original Source: www.nytimes.com
