In today’s news cycle, there’s a notable amount of chatter surrounding the United States’ decision to send 200 troops to Israel, ostensibly to support and monitor the Gaza situation. Now, when one thinks of deploying American troops overseas, one might argue it’s about as controversial as adding an extra scoop of ice cream to a child’s dessert—some are thrilled, while others are raising an eyebrow. The true purpose, according to informed insiders, is to ensure the safe transition of hostages and to support an international peacekeeping effort. For those sharpening their pitchforks at even the hint of foreign involvement, it seems wise to give this a moment’s pause—after all, actual boots on the sandy grounds of Gaza might not be on the agenda.

Folks are saying that the next phase in Gaza is going to be challenging. Once leverage is lost, when hostages are returned, we’re all left wondering who will hold the reins of Gaza’s governance as it’s rebuilt. To be fair, imagining this phase is like picturing a balancing act—only the acrobat is juggling flaming swords, and any misstep could lead to chaos. However, the international community coming together might have flipped the script on Hamas, leaving them with fewer cards up their sleeves.

There is a great deal of talk about whether this is just another nation-building exercise. Critics might scoff from their armchairs, waving the idea off as just another “one of those” exercises. But if we dust off the history books, or maybe just remember a year or two back, it becomes evident that the current administration has not exactly been cavorting down that cliché path. President Trump has always positioned himself as the antithesis of those long, drawn-out foreign engagement endeavors. This time, it appears that the play is for peace and closure, not building new nations from scratch.

The architects of this diplomatic dance, the team behind the Abraham Accords which some thought was a pipe dream, seem to have carved a path that others could not see. Their eyes, seemingly equipped with special geopolitical spectacles, saw new arenas for peace where others saw none. The groundwork laid in the desert winds of negotiation is bearing fruit, and it’s getting tough to argue with the results. The folks who worked tirelessly behind the scenes have rightly earned a moment in the spotlight.

Then there’s the question of national accolades, specifically regarding the prestigious Nobel Prize. It’s been humorously noted that if every commendable paper contribution warranted a Nobel, the award ceremony would be hosting quite a few more personalities. Yet, for many, it feels like President Trump and his team should have an award dusted off in their honor. Whether or not the committee agrees is anyone’s guess. For now, the focus remains on seeing how these diplomatic moves play out, perhaps adding another victory notch to Trump’s belt.