Here’s how President Donald Trump and his Republican party’s midterm defeat is playing out around the world. Adversaries, and of course Tehran, characterized this loss as a referendum against the war in Iran. Even Trump and Vice-President JD Vance acknowledged that the costly war along with skyrocketing gas prices helped hand Democrats a landslide victory. But a defeat at the polls doesn’t mean that Trump will change course. While his room for political maneuvering narrows, he retains executive veto power, meaning he could still escalate the Iran war, even while facing Democratic scrutiny and opposition.
But there were more surprises this week than mere poll numbers. From Trump’s bombshell announcement that the U.S. will end its military aid to Israel to Iraq’s efforts to prevent Iran-backed attacks on Kuwait, this week’s stories offer a glimpse into new global priorities. MBN also checks out the debate over political power in Egypt and the struggle over leadership in the Gulf.
Welcome back to the MBN Friday Briefing, our roundup of the best stories on Alhurra.com in Arabic, and in English. You can read this briefing in Arabic here. Please subscribe here or send us a comment: thebriefing@mbn-news.com.
This Week on MBN
A midterm U-turn
Supporters react to the announcement that the Democrats have taken control of the US House at an Election Night watch party in Detroit, Michigan, US, Nov. 3, 2026. REUTERS/Brian Snyder
The Democrats’ sweeping midterm victory has dramatically shifted the balance of power in Washington. With control of both chambers of Congress, Democrats will be able to investigate President Trump’s administration, challenge his domestic agenda and block key initiatives. The shift could also complicate Trump’s foreign policy, particularly his approach to the war with Iran, military engagements and relations with U.S. allies. The results mark a major political setback for Trump, writes Abubakar Siddique, and signal a far more difficult road ahead for the remainder of his presidency.
Trump’s Israel Aid Bombshell
U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu walk into Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida, U.S., Dec. 29, 2025. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst
President Trump announced on Tuesday that the U.S. will end its annual military aid to Israel by the end of this year, a move that could change the two allies’ long-standing relationship. Trump says Israel no longer needs the money and that he had already reached an agreement with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. But the announcement appeared to catch Israeli officials by surprise and raised questions about Netanyahu’s leadership. The decision comes at a time when support for Israel is declining in the U.S. and military aid to Israel is no longer the widely accepted policy it once was, writes Shaiba Abdelrahman.
Iraq Moves to Block Iran-Backed Attacks on Kuwait
Iraqi Military vehicles at al-Waleed air base near Al-Tanf, Iraq January 18, 2021. Picture taken Jan. 18, 2021. REUTERS/John Davison
Iraq sent four military brigades to Basra amid fears that Iran-backed armed groups could use Iraqi territory to attack Kuwait if the U.S.-Israel war with Iran resumes, writes MBN in an exclusive report. Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi ordered the deployment after Baghdad received intelligence about possible drone launches and cross-border attacks. Iraqi and Gulf security officials are coordinating to prevent attacks, as Basra has previously been used as a launching point for drones and missiles targeting Kuwait.
Egypt’s el-Sisi: Power Beyond 2030?
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi waves from a car as he arrives at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta, Indonesia, Oct.11, 2026. REUTERS/Ajeng Dinar Ulfiana
Calls to amend Egypt’s constitution to allow President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi to remain in power beyond 2030 have sparked criticism, despite his assurances that he intends to step down. Supporters argue that changing the constitution is a democratic right, while critics warn it could undermine the peaceful transfer of power. Independent politician Hossam Moanis told MBN that such calls use arguments about stability and popular will to weaken Egyptians’ right to choose their next president.
Who Gets to Lead the Gulf?
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and GCC representatives pose for a group photo ahead of an emergency Arab-Islamic summit in Doha, Qatar, Sept. 15, 2025, following the Israeli attack on Hamas in Qatar / Saudi Press Agency via Reuters
This MBN Magazine article by Abdulaziz Al-Khamis questions Saudi Arabia’s claim to regional leadership. A country’s size, wealth and past support do not give it the right to control its neighbors, Al-Khamis argues and says true leadership comes from trust, respect and the ability to deliver results. He also calls for an honest review of regional policies, their costs and their impact on security. His message is clear: Gulf countries need equal partnerships, not a system where one state expects the others to follow.
Quote of the Week
The war is why we lost. Everyone knows why we lost, and any honest discussion about the path we should take moving forward must start here.
– U.S. Vice President JD Vance about the reason behind the Republican Party’s election defeat.
