Conservative Patrick Buchanan – who endorsed Trump for president – writes:
High among the reasons that many supported Trump was his understanding that George W. Bush blundered horribly in launching an unprovoked and unnecessary war on Iraq.
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Unlike the other candidates, Trump seemed to recognize this.
Trump’s anti-war, anti-interventionist statements appealed to many Americans. Indeed, quite a few Sanders supporters switched to Trump (or stayed home on election day) because of Trump’s anti-war promises … and Clinton’s record as a warmonger.
Buchanan expresses disappointment that Trump is already saber-rattling:
It was thought he would disengage us from these wars, not rattle a saber at an Iran that is three times the size of Iraq and has as its primary weapons supplier and partner Vladimir Putin’s Russia.
Former long-time Congressman Ron Paul notes that Trump has already engaged in bombings in Yemen:
Andrew Spannaus notes:
The early Trump administration has sent mixed signals regarding relations with Russia. Trump’s initial comments indicated that the U.S. would seek a diplomatic deal to reduce tensions around Ukraine, including by potentially recognizing the pro-Russian referendum in Crimea, in exchange for a broader deal with Russia involving cooperation against terrorism or nuclear arms reduction. However, Trump’s United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley on Thursday vowed to continue sanctions against Russia until it surrendered Crimea.
Brandon Turbeville says, “The new boss is now starting to look extremely similar to the old boss.” Turbeville also points out that Trump appears to be mucking about in Syria.
And since Trump took the helm, war with China is looking increasingly likely.
So it’s starting to look like – despite his promises of being an anti-war non-interventionist – Trump will be a warmonger.
I hope I’m wrong … and that Trump is just playing the unpredictable madman to gain negotiating leverage with foreign powers.
Conservative Michael Rivero notes:
I too am alarmed by Trump’s rhetoric.
But there are two factors to consider.
The first is that Trump is still trying to win Senate confirmation for his nominees, and Trump and the Nominees may be saying what they know the Warmongers in the Senate (like McCain and Graham) want to hear. What Trump does after the confirmations will be telling.
Second, if you read Trump’s book, “The Art of the Deal”, he writes that the opening bid in any negotiation should be very aggressive, far beyond reasonable, then let the counterparty negotiate back to what you actually wanted in the first place. That tactic served him well in business and he may well be using it here with Russia, China, and Iran.
Or, it just goes to show, the deep state is your and my oppressor.
Forever.
I evaluate by actions, not words.
One can be telling me all day that he is going to hit me, punch me, kick me, whatever. But he won’t get his ass kicked until hands are laid on me.
On the other hand, saying one thing and doing another is cause for not ever believing that person again. Like saying Obammalammadingdong’s foreign policy was wrong, then bombing Yemen, or having a minion blast Putin after saying it was wrong by a predecessor.
Or saying one is a totally pro-gun Repugnicant after decades of waffling/anti-gun Demoncant New York elbow-rubbing.
But I don’t judge, because such is the nature of power-seekers.
Oh for the days of Obama when peace reigned and Obama bowed deeply to his moral and intellectual betters around the world and served the goals of piece. So who cares if nuclear arms spread, millions are murdered or made into refugees, our allies insulted and abandoned while we deliver hundreds of billions to Tehran.
Peace must be served. At any price.
Time will tell. Nicki Haley’s comment that “Crimea is part of Ukraine” would seem to be pretty definitive, but it could be one ginormous head fake, not only to the neocons but to the Deep State. I’d previously theorized that Trump’s motivation since 2011 was not only to succeed Obama but to undo much of what Obama had accomplished and to unmask him – revealing the birth certificate forgeries. Since that would take years of uprooting Brennan’s lackeys, playing the neocon for now would be what one would expect of a Trump still bent on exposing the truths behind Obama. Hope so.
I vote head fake. Trump is playing chess while others play checkers, much like his Russian counterpart.
You know what’s really telling? That people expect of Trump in two weeks what was never demanded of Obama in 8 years.
It gives you a clue as to who has hijacked who’s amygdala (to paraphrase Scott Adams).
I’ve never seen a president in my lifetime get as many people permanently riled up and on the edge of their seats, from day one, and on both sides of the divide as Trump.
Not sure what it means, but the effect really can’t be denied.
IMO, that’s what he was elected to do.
In reality, everything he is doing is in line with what he said he would do.
No real change makes everyone in comfortable established positions happy and massive ones make most of them unhappy until they produce positive results they like.
Everything going on now got started under Obama (who liked to blame Bush) and has been going on for years.
It isn’t going to change in two weeks.
The question is, is what is happening now actually working toward change or working toward escalation?
It’s a tactical question more than a rhetorical one in this case. What are the tactics intended to accomplish?