The Big Story: Trump seals $142bn arms deal, vows to lift Syria sanctions. What's his Middle East goal?

US President Donald Trump has said the US has "no stronger partner" than Saudi Arabia during his first major foreign trip. Speaking in Riyadh, the US president pledged to lift all sanctions against Syria, saying it was now time for the country to move forward with ‘a chance at greatness’. Day one of the tour saw the US and Saudi Arabia announce a $142 billion arms deal, as well as investments that the country's crown prince said could eventually be worth $1 trillion. What does Trump want from his Middle East tour? With so much emphasis on economic diplomacy and personal alliances, how far can Trump’s approach go in reshaping Middle Eastern geopolitics? Is the US President using his office for personal gain?  On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Dr Jessica Genauer, Senior Lecturer in International Relations, Flinders University to find out more.    Presented by: Hongbin Jeong Produced and Edited by: Nadiah Koh ([email protected])  Want to get featured on our show? Drop me an email today!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.