Massad Boulos has been appointed as a senior adviser to President-elect Donald Trump on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs. As an automotive tycoon and the father-in-law of Tiffany Trump, Boulos is positioned to influence U.S. policy in a region facing multiple crises. His ties to Lebanon’s political elite and experience in business in West Africa contribute to his role as a mediator between the Trump administration and Middle Eastern leaders.
Massad Boulos, a prominent Lebanese American businessman and automotive tycoon, has been appointed as a senior adviser to President-elect Donald J. Trump on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs. His selection is noteworthy as he is also the father-in-law of Mr. Trump’s daughter, Tiffany. Mr. Boulos’s influence is expected to have significant implications for U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East amidst critical issues such as the cease-fire in Lebanon, the humanitarian situation in Gaza, and the escalating conflict in Syria.
Originally from Kafaraka, Lebanon, Mr. Boulos comes from a politically engaged Greek Orthodox family. Although he has maintained a distance from direct political involvement in Lebanon, he is closely associated with the Christian elite. He has expressed friendships with key political figures, including Suleiman Frangieh, a candidate for the Lebanese presidency favored by Hezbollah. This connection is particularly noteworthy given the United States’ designation of Hezbollah as a terrorist organization.
Educated in Texas, Mr. Boulos’s career has largely developed in West Africa. He served as the CEO of SCOA Nigeria, an automotive group, and directs Boulos Enterprise, dealing in the assembly and distribution of motorcycles. His rise to political prominence came through engagement with the Arab American community, particularly during Trump’s election campaign where he sought to boost support among voters in Michigan.
Boulos has acted as a mediator between Mr. Trump and Middle Eastern leaders, notably meeting with Mahmoud Abbas, the Palestinian Authority leader, to discuss critical issues facing the region. Following his appointment, Lebanese officials expressed optimism that Mr. Boulos’ role could increase attention to pressing matters in Lebanon at the highest levels of U.S. government. Amin Salam, Lebanon’s caretaker economy minister, referred to his appointment as a “historic opportunity” for Lebanon to close in on the U.S.’s decision-making circles.
The appointment of Massad Boulos as a senior adviser highlights the intersection of business and foreign policy in the Trump administration. His familial ties to Mr. Trump, as well as his longstanding engagement with the Lebanese and broader Arab communities, position him as a significant figure. The geopolitical context, particularly the crises in Lebanon, Gaza, and Syria, underscores the relevance of his advisory role. Understanding Lebanon’s political dynamics, particularly its Christian factions and the influence of groups such as Hezbollah, is essential to grasp the implications of his position. The potential for Boulos to advocate for Lebanese interests within the U.S. government is bolstered by his background and business achievements.
In summary, Massad Boulos’s appointment as a senior adviser to President Trump on Middle Eastern affairs could shape U.S. policy towards the region. His unique position as both a businessman and a family member of the Trump circle enables him to act as a crucial conduit between the U.S. and Middle Eastern leaders. The geopolitical ramifications of his expertise and familial ties may provide Lebanon and Arab states with a more direct line to U.S. decision-making, especially amid ongoing regional challenges.
Original Source: www.nytimes.com
