Pray for a wise Middle East foreign policy.

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. (Eph 5:15-17)

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President Trump’s historic visit last month to Saudi Arabia, where he met with the heads of more than 50 mostly Sunni heads of state, dramatically marked the end of eight years of Barack Obama’s appeasement of Iran. It signaled to all the Muslim leaders that the United States as the “strong horse” is back. There was no doubt in any of the Muslim leaders’ minds that Mr. Trump is a man of action and a leader who will keep his word.

Mr. Trump’s goal of establishing a coalition of nations that share the objective of defeating terrorist groups and providing for a stable and hopeful future made it clear that the assembled nations cannot be indifferent to the presence of evil….

Mr. Trump also made it clear that this coalition of nations must adopt a policy of “sovereign responsibility.” …

Nonetheless, the Trump doctrine must be driven by our core vital interests, which are:

• Eliminating ISIS as a functioning entity.
• Preventing Iran from achieving a nuclear weapon capability.
• Preventing Iranian hegemony throughout the Middle East.
• Removing the Iranian theocracy from power.
• Re-establishing and strengthening our relations with our traditional allies.
• Ensuring the survival of Israel.
• Establishing a sovereign Kurdistan.
• Maintaining freedom of navigation throughout the Persian Gulf and Red Sea, including strategic choke points, e.g., the Suez Canal, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Strait of Hormuz.

The establishment of a Global Terrorism Center for Combating Extremism in Riyadh was a manifestation of the shared objective of defeating terrorist groups and isolating Iran, but its effectiveness will depend on results….

Qatar has been a particular problem because of its support of the Muslim Brotherhood and its cozy relationship with Iran….

Another issue that must be addressed is the U.S. Central Command’s forward air base in Qatar, which has been an essential element of our air campaign in the region….

An underlying element of the Trump doctrine that cannot be overstated is recognition that 65 percent of the population of the Middle East is under the age of 30, and that those youths must be provided with opportunities for a satisfying life as an attractive option to the lure of terrorist groups….

Saudi Prince Mohammad bin Salman is taking the lead for economic and cultural reform in Saudi Arabia, and other members of the coalition should follow….

Finally, an aggressive plan must be developed with the objective of removing the regime of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei from power…. (Excerpts from James A. Lyons’ Washington Times article, Trump’s Middle East doctrine.)