EDITOR’S NOTE (Nick Stamatakis). My favorite movie of all time is “Lawrence of Arabia” and I have repeatedly said that it is required watching for all those interested in the Middle East’s geopolitics. It describes in a very vivid way the period before the modern borders of the Middle East were drawn (by the famous Sykes-Picot plan). I was very fortunate to enjoy the premiere of “Lawrence of Arabia” restoration in 1988 in the then-famous Ziegfield Theater in Manhattan – and it was a fantastic 4-hour experience…
One of the memorable scenes was when Lawrence raised his sword high up in the air and called the unified (for one little moment in history) Arab Army to follow him and attack the Turks who were trying to escape the region on a train: “NO PRISONERS!!” he yelled and led the attack killing as many Turks as he could with his own hands… He was taking revenge for the homosexual abuse he had suffered from an Ottoman Army Officer a little while back… (Bartholomew and Elpidophoros, are you listening? When will you memorialize the victims of the Ottomans?) The movie explains, among other things, why the Arabs will NEVER make peace with the Turks: they feel a historical hatred against them, much deeper than what we Greeks feel…
President Trump used the word peace countless times in his speech yesterday to emphasize his vision for the Middle East. For instance, Trump stated, “Our vision is one of peace, security, and prosperity—in this region, and in the world,” and expressed hope that the summit would be remembered as “the beginning of peace in the Middle East—and maybe, even all over the world.” Trump stated, “My preference will always be for peace and partnership, whenever those outcomes can be achieved.
BELOW YOU CAN WATCH THE HISTORIC SPEECH – PLEASE PUT THE USUAL “TRUMPISMS” INTO “PARENTHESES”. IF YOU HAVEN’T LEARNED THIS ABOUT TRUMP YET, YOU CANNOT PRETEND YOU HAVE AN OPINION ABOUT HIM OR ANALYZE HIM. FOLLOWING THE SPEECH, SOME PHOTOS AND VIDEOS FROM HIS GLAMOROUS RECEPTION IN SAUDI ARABIA AND QATAR.
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I also have watched Lawrence of Arabia many times. I’m sure Trump is not aware of the history of the area. Even if his advisers tried to brief him, he pays no attention. Trump goes mostly with whatever comes to mind at that moment. That’s why he “loves” all these dictators. Even the decapitator of Khasogi has been forgiven and now held in high esteem by Trump.
However, he is trying very hard to get a peace deal signed. His motive is the Nobel peace prize. Trump realized that the Russia-Ukraine war is not as easy to end as he thought and has lost interest. He gave up on the Gaza war, so, Saudi Arabia looks like easily attained. After all, his son-in-law has been smoothing the surface, by signing big money deals, with a Saudi prince who is in a hurry to bring his country out of the Middle ages.
At least he understands that in countries like that – and also Russia and China – there will never be “democracy”… Not that such democracy exists in the West… That much we have found out. You are accusing them for decapitating Khashogi but you can’t say a “pip” about at least two assassination attempts against the now President of the United States…
Thank God entire world has President Trump back!
How do you think Trump crypto will pan out in Saudi Arabia? Also, the 5 billion on dollar golf course to be built in Qatar? And the free plane from Qatar? Pay to play? Better to step back and not engage in gushing sentiments, emotionality…keep your eye on the birdie.
Best suggestion. Read Scripture on engaging in the world.
I too, agree with you Nick! Lawrence of Arabia was truly one of the greatest cinematic masterpieces of all time! Perhaps the greatest cast in movie history: Omar Shariff, Alec Guinness, Anthony Quinn, etc.
It’s #3 on my list. (The Man Who Would Be King is #1, Patton is #2.)
Donald of Arabia
Big announcement!
Archbishop Elpidophoros Appointed to President Trump’s Religious Liberty Commission
Published 5/15/25
Orthodox Observer
Trump calls 1 million of Palestinians to leave their houses in Gaza, so that Israel will become bigger! These people live there thousands of years, probably after the Santorini’s volcano eruption in 1613 BC, when they came from Crete. With what right a US President will tell them to leave their houses and their land? And why he doesn’t send food to the starving Palestinian children? My conclusion: there is only one Donald, the servant of Israel and Zionism…