In an interview with Khaleej Times, AGSIW President Ambassador Marcelle M. Wahba discussed the outcome of the U.S. presidential election and the expectations of President-elect Donald Trump. Wahba noted that Trump is likely to tone down his rhetoric upon becoming president: “At the end of a political campaign things do change, and he’s now the president-elect. After the inauguration, like any new American president he’s going to look at the facts, consult with advisors, and act in the American national interest, everywhere.” Wahba added, “I think a lot of the rhetoric we heard in the election campaign will disappear.”

Speaking about potential Middle East policy for Trump regarding his pledge to move the U.S. Embassy to Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, AGSIW Senior Resident Scholar Hussein Ibish told Newsweek Trump “would be crazy to do it.” He noted, “It would break a strong tradition in U.S. policy that dates back to 1947.” He said, “It would basically reignite an issue that is effectively dormant for the United States, and even sort of on hold for Israel,” continuing,  “I’m not even sure the Israeli national security establishment would be that keen on it, either. At least some of them would see the folly.”

Additionally, AGSIW Research Associate Yerevan Saeed spoke with Australian SBS about anxiety among minorities and protests in the United States following Trump’s victory, as well as what a Trump administration foreign policy might mean for the Middle East, particularly the region’s Kurdish population. Ahead of the final polls AGSIW Research Associate Yerevan Saeed discussed the U.S. presidential election with Kurdish satellite channel Payam, explaining the electoral college and why there are only two main political parties.