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Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’: Analyzing the Mafia Boss Comparison and Global Implications

Introduction

Recent commentary by David Hearst, Editor-in-Chief of Middle East Eye, has ignited a fierce debate regarding the geopolitical strategies proposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump. In a scathing opinion piece, Hearst characterizes Trump’s proposed “Board of Peace” not as a diplomatic initiative, but as a global operation resembling the management style of a “mafia boss.”

This analysis explores the structural and ideological underpinnings of this proposed board, specifically regarding the governance of Gaza. By dissecting the composition of the board, the reaction of international allies, and the potential sidelining of established international bodies like the United Nations, we can better understand the implications of such a unilateral approach to Middle Eastern peace.

Key Points

Background

To understand the context of David Hearst’s critique, one must look at the timeline of Donald Trump’s foreign policy maneuvers. Historically, Trump’s approach to the Middle East has been characterized by the “Abraham Accords,” which normalized relations between Israel and several Arab nations without resolving the Palestinian question.

The Concept of the “Board of Peace”

The “Board of Peace” was introduced by Trump as a mechanism to oversee the reconstruction and governance of the Gaza Strip following the cessation of hostilities. Unlike traditional peacekeeping missions sanctioned by the UN Security Council, this board is envisioned as a consortium of stakeholders, including the United States, regional Arab powers, and private sector figures.

David Hearst’s Perspective

David Hearst, a veteran journalist specializing in the Middle East, published his views in the Middle East Eye e-newsletter. His central thesis is that the board represents a shift from international law to “mafia-style” deal-making. In this model, the United States acts not as a mediator but as a CEO or “Godfather,” dictating terms to the region while extracting concessions that benefit American and allied interests.

Analysis

The comparison of a sitting or former world leader to a “mafia boss” is provocative, but Hearst provides specific criteria for this analogy. The analysis focuses on three main pillars: the composition of the board, the geopolitical overreach, and the ideological agenda.

Composition of the Executive Board

A critical component of Hearst’s argument is the specific makeup of the Board of Peace. He describes it as a “founding Executive Board” stacked with individuals who have historically denied the existence or severity of the genocide in Gaza. Key figures mentioned include:

• Marco Rubio: As U.S. Secretary of State, his inclusion signals a hardline foreign policy stance.
• Steve Victor: A Special Envoy with deep ties to the administration’s security apparatus.
• Jared Kushner: Trump’s son-in-law and former senior advisor, who played a pivotal role in the Abraham Accords and has business ties to the region.
• Mark Rowan: A Wall Street financier noted for his role in pressuring U.S. universities to crack down on pro-Palestinian demonstrations.

Hearst argues that this group is united by a “profound lack of experience about the Middle East” and a shared belief in “Greater Israel.” This composition suggests that the board is designed to enforce a specific ideological outcome—intense settlement expansion and regional military hegemony for Israel—rather than facilitate a neutral peace process.

Geopolitical Overreach: Treading on European Feet

Hearst highlights a double standard in how global powers react to Trump’s interventions. He notes that while Europe remained relatively silent when Trump allegedly “kidnapped” Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro (a reference to the pressure campaigns against the Maduro regime), they were jolted into action when Trump expressed interest in acquiring Greenland from Denmark.

This analogy serves to illustrate Trump’s transactional view of sovereignty. Hearst suggests that Trump operates as the