IT’S MY THURSDAY ESSAY FOR VIP SUBSCRIBERS: From Anathema to Applause — What Changed for Trump?

If it seems like I’ve written so much — too much? — about the Middle East this last week, bear with me as we go once more unto the breach. But don’t worry, this week’s essay is only tangentially about Israel, Gaza, and President Donald Trump’s historic peace deal.

This is about the man who waged peace during his first term, and “never got no respect,” to crib a line from Rodney Dangerfield, and the man who waged peace in 2025 to thunderous applause from around the world.

Trump hasn’t changed, but something surely has.

“What, exactly?” is the question I’ve grappled with over the last few days.

Much more at the link.