Brett McGurk is a CNN global affairs analyst who served in senior national security positions under Presidents George W. Bush, Barack Obama, Donald Trump and Joe Biden.
President Donald Trump makes no secret of his aim to win a Nobel Peace Prize. His supporters say he deserves the prize already, while his detractors mock the pursuit entirely – pointing to his controversial policies as disqualifying.
Trump inherited two of the worst conflicts of this new century, the wars in Gaza and Ukraine. On both fronts, the outlines of a settlement are now in view. It’s less clear whether Trump and his team can deliver peace. But if they do, the Nobel committee can and should recognize the achievement and award Trump its coveted medallion.
Let’s start in Ukraine.
After nine months of a zigzagging policy and a summer of summitry with Putin, Zelensky, and European leaders, as well as a disastrous Russian offensive resulting in no territory gained and more than 20,000 Russian casualties, the shape of a deal may well be emerging – one with two main elements:
First, a security guarantee with commitments from the US and NATO allies to supply Ukraine’s military and enable the defense of its sovereign territory against future invasions.
Second, some land swaps along
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