In the long-term it is likely that the US returns to its accustomed ways: playing off every party in the region against each other and destabilising every state via the promotion of its values. The US alliance with Israel began after '67 was already weakening drastically by the late '70s, when the CIA began intriguing with Arafat. The Reagan Administration became Al Fatah's protector during the invasion of Lebanon and the patron/client relationship with the Palestinians continues to this day.
Trump is in an interlude only.
It is also all but inevitable that the US political class, Deep State and prestige institutions will sell themselves to the highest bidder: Qatar. In the near future, when it is off the hook, Qatar will resume all its old games, possibly with renewed vigour if it can position itself as Europe's energy supplier.
Israel can't fix what is wrong with America. It can only fix what is wrong with itself. That is where the focus needs to go.
Trump's strength is his willingness to call a spade a spade. Also, the old niceties are meaningless since Trump's domestic enemies clearly network heavily with his foreign rivals at the expense of America's interests.
I didn't see the speech as denouncing the US, but rather his long-time political opponents and their discredited ideology. I thought it was a good speech, on the whole.
It was an extraordinary speech. A decisive break with the delusional traditions of Washington and delivered with admirable clarity and frankness. It would have greatly reassured the Sa'udis, Emiratis, Bahranis and Omanis. It would also have sent a very strong message to Iran, where there is a vast audience that is receptive to Trump.
In the long-term it is likely that the US returns to its accustomed ways: playing off every party in the region against each other and destabilising every state via the promotion of its values. The US alliance with Israel began after '67 was already weakening drastically by the late '70s, when the CIA began intriguing with Arafat. The Reagan Administration became Al Fatah's protector during the invasion of Lebanon and the patron/client relationship with the Palestinians continues to this day.
Trump is in an interlude only.
It is also all but inevitable that the US political class, Deep State and prestige institutions will sell themselves to the highest bidder: Qatar. In the near future, when it is off the hook, Qatar will resume all its old games, possibly with renewed vigour if it can position itself as Europe's energy supplier.
Israel can't fix what is wrong with America. It can only fix what is wrong with itself. That is where the focus needs to go.
Interesting comment. I have to think about this.
What did you think of Trump's recent speech in Riyadh, in which he denounced -inter alia- the neo-cons and globalist approaches to foreign policy?
I didn't see that. But in general I don't like when you go to a foreign country and criticize your own country - even if you are President.
Trump's strength is his willingness to call a spade a spade. Also, the old niceties are meaningless since Trump's domestic enemies clearly network heavily with his foreign rivals at the expense of America's interests.
I didn't see the speech as denouncing the US, but rather his long-time political opponents and their discredited ideology. I thought it was a good speech, on the whole.
I have all but given up on listening to speeches by politicians - but I will search it out and listen.
It was an extraordinary speech. A decisive break with the delusional traditions of Washington and delivered with admirable clarity and frankness. It would have greatly reassured the Sa'udis, Emiratis, Bahranis and Omanis. It would also have sent a very strong message to Iran, where there is a vast audience that is receptive to Trump.
you and Fr. Wah have inspired me to find it and listen.