Gabbard Says U.S. Ends ‘Regime Change or Nation Building’ Strategy as Focus Shifts to Stability at Bahrain Security Summit
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – The U.S. national intelligence director told officials Friday in the Middle East that America’s former strategy of “regime change or nation building” had ended under President Donald Trump. Speaking at the Manama Dialogue in Bahrain, former congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard underscored the shift, aligning with remarks Trump made earlier this year during a regional trip. The annual security summit is organized by the International Institute for Strategic Studies.
Policy Shift Emphasizes Stability and Prosperity
In Trump’s second term, previous U.S. goals of fostering human rights and democracy promotion in the Middle East have been supplanted by an emphasis on economic prosperity and regional stability. That includes securing a ceasefire that has halted the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip, as well as what the administration describes as forcing an end to Israel’s 12-day war on Iran after American bombers struck Iranian nuclear sites.
Gabbard’s Remarks at the Manama Dialogue
Gabbard, a U.S. Army National Guard veteran who represented Hawaii in Congress, delivered a direct critique of past U.S. foreign policy approaches.
“For decades, our foreign policy has been trapped in a counterproductive and endless cycle of regime change or nation building,” said Gabbard, a former Congresswoman from Hawaii and U.S. Army National Guard veteran.
“It was a one-size-fits-all approach, of toppling regimes, trying to impose our system of governance on others, intervene in conflicts that were barely understood and walk away with more enemies than allies.”
She added: “The results: Trillions spent, countless lives lost and in many cases, the creation of greater security threats.”
Background: From Post-9/11 Wars to a New Posture
Gabbard’s assessment mirrors Trump’s long-stated skepticism of extended military engagements that followed the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. During his first term, Trump reached a deal to withdraw from Afghanistan, which the Biden administration executed in a chaotic 2021 departure. In Syria, Trump has embraced Syria’s interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa, described as a former al-Qaida fighter once detained in an American-run prison in Iraq.
Unmentioned in Gabbard’s speech were other actions taken under Trump, including the deployment of U.S. warships off South America, fatal strikes on alleged drug trafficking vessels, and his ordering of CIA covert operations targeting Venezuela. Those moves have stoked fears of invasion and speculation Trump could try to topple the country’s authoritarian leader.
Gaza Ceasefire and Iran Nuclear Concerns
While touting a new approach, Gabbard acknowledged the region’s volatility. She warned the Gaza ceasefire is “fragile.” She also cited Iran as an ongoing concern, as the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency reported renewed “movement” detected at the country’s nuclear sites.
“The road ahead will not be simple or easy but the president is very committed down this road,” said Gabbard, who attended the event as a government shutdown continues in Washington.
Media Access Dispute and Bahrain Rights Case
The summit also drew attention for a media access dispute. A journalist from The Associated Press had an accredited visa rescinded by Bahrain late Wednesday amid what authorities described as a “post-approval review.” The government did not provide further details. Earlier that day, AP published a report on long-detained activist Abdulhadi al-Khawaja launching an “open-ended” hunger strike over his widely criticized imprisonment.
By late Friday, al-Khawaja halted his hunger strike after receiving letters from the European Union and Denmark regarding his case, according to his daughter, Maryam al-Khawaja.
Key Developments
- U.S. signals end to “regime change or nation building” under Trump’s second term.
- Gaza war halted by a ceasefire, which Gabbard called “fragile.”
- IAEA detects renewed movement at Iran’s nuclear sites, keeping tensions high.
- Bahrain rescinds AP journalist’s visa during summit; no explanation provided.
- Abdulhadi al-Khawaja pauses hunger strike after EU and Denmark letters, his daughter says.
What’s Next
The Manama Dialogue continues as regional officials weigh the implications of Washington’s policy recalibration toward stability and economic development. The durability of the Gaza ceasefire and the IAEA’s monitoring of Iran’s nuclear activities will be key indicators of near-term regional risk. In Bahrain, questions also remain over media access and the trajectory of al-Khawaja’s case following diplomatic engagement.
