Donald Trump’s recognition of Israel’s claim on Golan Heights that it took over in 1967 from Syria did not surprise the world given the many controversial decisions that his presidency took one after another. But certainly, leaders of the larger international community including Russia, Iran and Turkey strongly condemned the decision. France and Germany also criticised this illegal step. Syria, on its part, renewed its vow to recapture it.

Trump may or may not be a popular president to his people, but his foreign policies are damaging interests of different countries and peoples. For his controversial moves one after another, the US is at the risk of losing its image as the global leader.

His Muslim travel ban endorsed later by the US Supreme Court and blatant discrimination of Mexicans/Latinos have made it abundantly clear what is the basis of his political capital: white supremacy. By his derogatory comment about the Africans he also distanced himself from the continent and the black population of his own country.

The US had never been a neutral broker of peace between Israelis and Palestinians, but there was at least a show of impartiality. Trump went one step further, removed the guise and declared brazenly that Jerusalem is the capital of Israel and shifted US mission from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. At the UN, all member states excepting a handful of nations including Israel, passed a thumping resolution against Trump’s Jerusalem decision.

However, his divisive policy came to sharp focus in comparison with New Zealand Prime Minister Jascinda Ardern as she humanely and adroitly unified her nation after the recent Christchurch attacks of mosques which Trump himself failed to condemn in strong terms. His failures and weaknesses as a leader prompted the New York Times to write an editorial with the title “America Deserves a Leader as Good as Jacinda Ardern”.

When the nations of the world were condemning the Christchurch attack, Trump recognised Israel’s right over Golan Heights and angered the world. Geopolitics is at the heart of the problem of Golan Heights, but Trump is rather viciously using this now to win the votes of ultra conservatives as the US general elections are approaching.

While a UN General Assembly resolution against Trump’s decision on Golan Heights would not be able make Trump reverse his decision, this will send the message he is legally as well as morally on the wrong side and the world is not with him.