Neighbouring countries and especially the former states of the USSR, will be left feeling very vulnerable

Trump breezes into Europe. He attacks NATO concerning members contributions. He reprimands the Germans regarding their trading relationship with the Russians. He undermines Theresa May over Brexit. He then dashes off to Moscow, where he has the chance to confront Putin over the downing of a civil airliner, the illegal annexation of the Crimea, Novichok, Russian interference in Western elections, etc, etc.

Of course, he doesn't. He and Putin are clearly best friends. Trump makes a speech whilst stood alongside Putin, in which he basically accepts Putins denial of wrongdoing without question, a speech which one American politician has described as being treasonous.

Trump has since tried to back peddle, claiming he misread his statement. He says he mistook “would” for “wouldn't”, or some such nonsense. It doesn't wash. The man does not know what he is doing. He undermines America's natural allies, whilst providing succour to Russia, a Russia that is acting like a rogue state, a Russia that needs to be told firmly that its actions will be tolerated no longer.

Trump's appeasement will do nothing but embolden the Russians. At a time when Putin is trying to restore the glory days of the old Soviet Empire, neighbouring countries and especially the former states of the USSR, will be left feeling very vulnerable.

18th July 2018

#america #politics

That was unexpected

That was unexpected. President Trump has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, in recognition of his efforts to bring North Korea to the negotiating table.

The news footage of the leaders of North and South Korea greeting each other like old friends last week was remarkable, and something most never expected to see. Prior American governments have adopted a policy of containment which proved to be quite useless. In that period, North Korea worked on its nuclear programme, much to the concern of its neighbours. Is it any coincidence that since Trump adopted a forceful approach to the problem, that the North Korean leader has decided to offer the hand of friendship?

Trump was ridiculed for talk of his big red button, for his diplomacy by Twitter, but I suspect it had the desired effect. In tandem with the efforts of the Chinese, the Korean Peninsular has stepped back from the brink of war.

I can't imagine the liberal intelligentsia will change its attitude to Trump. He may confound the critics, but he will never have the appeal Obama enjoyed. However, he remains popular with his core voters and I suspect that they will carry him to victory should he stand at the next election. Assuming of course the skeletons in his cupboard don't finally catch up with him.

4th May 2018

#america #china #politics