By Mohammed Gburi
The appointment of Lebanese-American businessman Massad Boulos as Senior Advisor for Arab and Middle Eastern Affairs represents a transformative step in the U.S. approach to the region’s complexities. Boulos brings a unique blend of lived experience, strategic insight, and global connections to a role that could redefine America’s role in fostering peace and prosperity in the Middle East.
Born in Lebanon during the turbulent years of the civil war, Boulos has a deep understanding of the region’s challenges. He witnessed the devastation wrought by the Gulf Wars, the collapse of Lebanon’s state institutions, and Iran’s pervasive influence in Lebanese affairs. These interventions have not only undermined Lebanon’s sovereignty but have also left a lasting mark on its economic and social fabric, crippling essential services like electricity, healthcare, infrastructure, and education. Boulos recognizes that these issues are emblematic of a broader regional crisis, with countries like Iraq, Syria, and Yemen grappling with similar struggles under the shadow of external interference and instability.
However, Boulos is not just a voice of experience; he is a catalyst for change. His influence in the United States, particularly among the Lebanese-American and broader Arab-American communities, has been profound. He played a pivotal role in galvanizing Arab-American support for Donald Trump in the recent elections, driven by a shared vision of addressing the diaspora’s concerns in the U.S. and transforming the realities of their homelands. Under Boulos’s guidance, these communities saw Trump as a beacon of hope—someone who could bring stability to the Middle East and restore its path toward peace and development.
A cornerstone of Boulos’s impact lies in his exceptional relationships with key leaders across the Middle East, particularly in the Gulf. These nations, which have already laid the groundwork for robust partnerships with the U.S. during Trump’s first term, are eager to build on these foundations. They anticipate a renewed era of collaboration, focusing on mutual interests such as economic growth, regional security, and sustainable development.
Massad Boulos is uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between the U.S. and the Middle East. His understanding of the region’s history, coupled with his vision for its future, makes him a key player in shaping a more stable and prosperous Middle East. His ability to foster trust and collaboration across cultures and nations is precisely what the region needs to navigate its challenges and embrace its potential.
In my view, Boulos has the potential to be a defining figure in the Middle East’s modern history. His leadership, coupled with President Trump’s vision, could pave the way for lasting peace and development in the region. Together, they have the opportunity to work with genuine partners to turn the dream of a vibrant, thriving Middle East into a reality. History will likely remember Massad Boulos as the man who realigned the Middle East’s compass toward progress, stability, and hope.
