By: Hisham Jabi, Founder & CEO
Over the past 20 years, I have worked closely with Arab youth across the MENA region, engaging in dialogue, training, and fieldwork in both stable and fragile contexts. Since the war in Gaza, I have conducted more than 189 meetings and discussions across MENA and parts of Europe, engaging with youth aged 19 to 30 from diverse backgrounds—students, employed and unemployed individuals, middle and working-class youth, and both educated and uneducated populations. Their perspectives on Trump’s potential return, U.S. foreign policy, economic conditions, and regional stability provide a critical lens into the frustration, aspirations, and shifting attitudes shaping the next generation in the Arab world.
Key Themes Among Arab Youth
1. The Elephant in the Room – Gaza
For many Arab youth, Gaza is the epicenter of the Middle East conflict. They view the war as brutal and unjust, struggling to reconcile Hamas’ actions with the overwhelming destruction and civilian casualties. The total collapse of Gaza’s infrastructure has intensified frustration, with many seeing the Biden administration’s unwavering support for Israel as evidence of Western double standards. A recurring comparison made by Arab youth is between U.S. support for Israel and its backing of Ukraine against Russia. Many believe the West applies two different sets of rules—condemning Russia’s occupation while endorsing Israel’s policies toward Palestinians. This perception of hypocrisy fuels deeper resentment, particularly among younger Arabs who once saw the U.S. as a champion of democracy and human rights. Despite this frustration, America still holds symbolic appeal for many. The idea that an immigrant can start as a limousine driver and rise to success remains deeply ingrained. However, this idealistic admiration is increasingly clashing with the reality of U.S. foreign policy, leading to cognitive dissonance and growing disillusionment among Arab youth.
2. Trump’s Gaza Plan – More Skepticism Than Belief
While many Arab youth do not believe Trump is serious about resolving the Palestinian issue, they see his administration as more powerful and decisive than Biden’s. There is widespread skepticism about Trump’s rhetoric on Gaza, with many believing that the U.S. and Israel are using the crisis to engineer Palestinian displacement. Despite this, some youth view Trump’s negotiation tactics differently—not as a plan for real solutions, but as a high-stakes bargaining move to eliminate Hamas while retaining a Palestinian presence in Gaza. They see Trump as a dealmaker who says what he means, even if his policies are controversial. However, most reject the idea that Palestinians would willingly leave Gaza, viewing it as an imposed strategy rather than a viable solution.
3. The Unemployment Crisis and the Impact of Aid Cuts
A critical issue that dominates discussions with Arab youth is unemployment, which is seen as a root cause of economic instability, social unrest, and political radicalization. Even in wealthier Gulf states, young people struggle to find jobs that align with their qualifications, while in fragile economies such as Syria and Yemen, youth unemployment rates often exceed 30–40%. The reduction of U.S. foreign aid has only worsened this crisis. Previously, USAID development assistance created job opportunities, vocational training, and entrepreneurship programs. With aid cuts and shifting U.S. priorities, young people increasingly feel that America is disengaging from their economic futures, intensifying frustration and uncertainty. Without economic opportunities, many unemployed youth become vulnerable to radicalization, especially in conflict-affected areas. How does this serve US national interest? The combination of economic despair, political grievances, and social exclusion creates a dangerous vacuum where extremist groups such as ISIS offer financial security, belonging, and a sense of purpose.
4. The Education-Workforce Gap and Women’s Exclusion
Another major challenge is the disconnect between education and workforce engagement, particularly among young women.
• Educational attainment has risen sharply across MENA, especially for women, yet female workforce participation remains below 17%.
• In STEM fields, 67% of graduates in some MENA countries are women, yet job opportunities remain scarce due to restrictive labor laws, cultural expectations, and gender biases.
This has led to widespread frustration, with many young people losing trust in governments, employers, and even international organizations that they once saw as champions of economic mobility. Trump’s anti-globalist messaging and disinterest in foreign aid reinforce the perception that the U.S. is abandoning international youth employment efforts, leaving Arab youth more disillusioned and disengaged.
5. The Rise of Alternative Global Powers – China and Russia
A growing number of Arab youth no longer see the U.S. as the dominant power in the region. Many believe that China is rising, and that Russia’s influence is expanding. The decline of U.S. engagement and the rise of alternative power structures make many youth less reliant on Western influence and more open to new alliances. This shift is particularly visible in economic relationships:
• China’s Belt and Road Initiative is strengthening economic ties with Arab countries, offering infrastructure projects and investment without political conditions.
• Russia’s military and diplomatic footprint has grown, with youth seeing Moscow as a counterbalance to U.S. policies in the Middle East.
• The anger toward U.S. policies in the region is pushing some young Arabs toward alternative political and ideological alignments, signaling a potential shift in global loyalties.
6. The America vs. UAE Comparison
Despite their political grievances, many Arab youth still see the U.S. as a land of opportunity. If you send a WhatsApp message to 100 Arab youth (ages 20–30) offering a free Green Card, at least 80% would apply immediately, in my view.
However, a new regional alternative is emerging—the UAE. Many young Arabs view the UAE as a “mini-America”—a place where they can find opportunities, work, and live without immigration hurdles. The UAE is perceived as:
• Economically vibrant and business friendly.
• A regional hub for innovation, tech, and finance.
• A stable, modern society that offers career growth without the visa restrictions of the West.
Even so, America still holds unmatched symbolic power. The key question is: Will Trump 2.0 reinforce disillusionment, or will he rekindle Arab youth’s belief in U.S. engagement?
7. A Perfect Storm for Radicalization
Based on my conversations and field assessments, I see the current environment as highly vulnerable to radicalization. The convergence of:
· Economic stagnation and high unemployment.
· Foreign aid cuts and disengagement from youth programs.
· Political frustration over Gaza and perceived Western hypocrisy.
· A growing belief that the U.S. is losing its influence.
These factors create a dangerous vacuum where extremist groups can exploit frustration and resentment. The failure to address youth aspirations and grievances will have long-term security implications for the region and beyond.
Final Thoughts: A Turning Point for U.S.-Arab Relations
This article is not a theoretical analysis—it is based on real conversations with Arab youth that policymakers often ignore. Their voices matter, and their concerns must be acknowledged in shaping the next phase of U.S.-Arab relations. Ignoring these realities is not just a policy oversight—it is a strategic risk that could have long-term consequences for regional stability and global security.
