By most accounts the trip through the Middle East went quite well for Trump. Foreign states rolled out the red carpet, literally, providing Trump the opportunity to look presidential and he didn’t disappoint. With the turmoil of the special counsel at home, this was a much needed win. The trip has far greater implications than domestic politics however. The Obama administration made the strategic decision to engage with Iran in an effort to reach a nuclear accord and this was largely to the detriment of regional allies, Israel and Saudi Arabia. Whatever the flaws of that policy, many by my count, it did push the two countries closer together in order to combat their regional enemy. Trump is now reaping the benefits of this partnership, taking advantage of less fractious regional allies who need the US for more than just military support.

There are serious concerns about the human rights issues in Saudi Arabia, but the best way to help the nation progress is to engage. Already there are very positive signs of change. A young, well educated population with high rates of internet use is ripe for a peaceful transition to a more open society and government. The goal should not be to force social change, but to further acceptance of others. If the Kingdom can forsake its more barbarous views, it could provide a path towards eventual reconciliation between the Abrahamic faiths. To further this end, Trump was not circumspect in linking terrorism and Islam. Obama sought to deny terrorists ideological justification by refusing to identify them as Islamic. Trump seeks to do the same by forcing the leaders in the faith to denounce them and all who support them. ISIS founds its beliefs in a radical interpretation of Sunni doctrine and undercutting their religious claim is key to undermining its appeal to recruits.

Trump’s policy is not without its own risks. It puts the US squarely in the camp of the Sunnis, against the Shia in Iran. This has largely been the policy of the US on geopolitical grounds until the Obama administration sought to disengage. There are concerns that more overt support will antagonize other regional Shia allies, and it will be important to minimize US presence in the religious conflict. Further, the strategy depends on the continued modernization of the government and economy of Saudi Arabia. They are largely the leaders of the Gulf States and the Trump administration will rely on them as a conduit to broader Arab world. The Trump strategy is long on Saudi Arabia and the Gulf States and when considering the alternatives, it looks to be a smart move.