Massad Boulos, a Lebanese-American automotive tycoon and Trump’s in-law, has been appointed as a senior adviser on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs. His role is expected to significantly impact U.S. policy amidst ongoing crises in the region. Boulos has a background in business and local politics in Lebanon, fostering vital connections with leaders like Mahmoud Abbas of the Palestinian Authority.
Massad Boulos, a Lebanese-American businessman and automotive tycoon, has recently been appointed as a senior adviser on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs to President-elect Donald J. Trump. Boulos, who is the father-in-law of Trump’s daughter Tiffany, is positioned to significantly influence U.S. policy in the Middle East amidst various regional crises, including a fragile cease-fire in Lebanon, humanitarian issues in Gaza, and escalating conflict in Syria. This appointment marks an astonishing rise for Boulos, who previously garnered support for Trump among Arab Americans and served as an informal liaison with Middle Eastern leaders, especially during Trump’s campaign.
Originating from an influential Greek Orthodox family in Lebanon’s Kafaraka, Boulos has been involved in local politics but claims no formal party affiliation. He maintains close ties with Lebanon’s Christian elite and has connections to key political figures, despite the U.S. designating Hezbollah, a significant force in Lebanese politics, as a terrorist organization. Boulos’s background includes studying in Texas and leading an automotive conglomerate in Nigeria.
Massad Boulos’s appointment as a senior adviser could reshape U.S. foreign policy towards the Middle East. His familial relationship with Trump and previous efforts to connect Trump with Arab American constituents highlight his burgeoning influence. Having engaged with leaders such as Mahmoud Abbas of the Palestinian Authority, Boulos bridges business acumen and diplomatic efforts in a region fraught with challenges, including Lebanon’s political instability, the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and the escalating Syrian conflict. Boulos’s connections within Lebanon, especially to the Christian elite, further complicate his role amidst U.S. interests in addressing regional dynamics. His gradual transition from relative obscurity into a position of power exemplifies the intertwined nature of family, politics, and diplomacy in the current administration.
Massad Boulos’s recent appointment as a senior adviser to President Trump underscores his significant influence over Middle Eastern affairs. With a background rooted in both business and political connections, particularly in Lebanon, Boulos is poised to navigate complex regional issues at a critical juncture in U.S. foreign policy. His relationship with Trump, bolstered by his familial ties, presents a unique opportunity for facilitating dialogue and understanding between the U.S. and Middle Eastern leaders, potentially elevating the concerns of the Arab world on the international stage.
Original Source: www.nytimes.com
