TRUMP MUST HURRY AND THEN WORRY

WE are receiving the most telling signals to date that World War III is about to start. They come, of course, from Russia; then followed by something of a climb-down, perhaps to create a false sense of security in the West. In reality, we’ve actually had World War III for over two years. Handing weapons to one party (USA to Ukraine) for ‘delivery’ to its enemy, draws the third party into the fight. None are denying it. They’re all far too preoccupied with the military support; either providing it or asking for more of it.

But what is different today is that Ukraine has launched into Russia six MGM-140 ATACMS supersonic missiles; provided by the USA Government. The risk now is of Nuclear World War I. Why, you might ask, use the number one when there’d only be one! Recognition of it has been declared by the Russians, accompanied by its own retaliatory strike. Fortunately, because of the impact of any nuclear attacks, pressing that nuclear release button is a giant step, the size of which is, in itself, a substantial deterrent.

If I had to guess – which I don’t have to and I doubt that anyone is holding their breath for such an event – I would say that Mr Putin would grab a peace deal today, provided it didn’t involve retreating, and simultaneously handing over Ukrainian territory currently occupied. While his military advisors will tell him that Russia will ultimately win the war, there’d be a heavy cost to get there. The Russian people won’t want that; and Putin must sense it. Millions on both sides will lament the past loss of life and territory, but an end is better than losing more lives and without any clear solution.  

What has thrown the cat among the pigeons is the decision, of outgoing USA President Joe Biden, to approve Ukraine’s launching of the USA-supplied ATACMS missiles into Russian territory. Now that was crazy. Was it a desperate last-minute attempt to put some gloss on the pathetic final throes of his collapsed presidency? How can you implement such a radical step when you have barely a month to support or adjust it?

Surrender

The Ukraine, as it stands, cannot beat Russia. And you honestly think Putin will surrender? No chance. Not even if he’s holed up in a Saddam Hussain-style hole in the ground in Outer Mongolia. So, ramping up the war is a deeply irresponsible step by Joe Biden. He’s clearly into dementia. Er, I’ll re-phrase that. Trump needs to hurry and even get word into play about launching a peace initiative. Otherwise, people like Putin and his gang of who-evers might just get desperate and press a button or two. Nothing to lose.

The solution might be an engineered stalemate through stronger Ukraine defences. This is the opposite strategy to where offence is the best form of defence. There should be a Trump-initiated peace conference. Any ramping up of fire power in the meantime should focus on defence of Ukrainian borders. Strike into Russian territory and you’ll make the Russian people angry. The only potential drawback to that – and perhaps lying behind the Biden initiative - is the risk of Trump soon reducing military aid to Ukraine. The other NATO countries would be very hard-pressed (not least by their citizens but in the opposite direction!) to make up the shortfall. Get it sorted, Trump, and march into your Senate and the House of Representatives to enjoy the congratulations; the closest you’ll ever get to non-Republican support.

While he waits for the triumphant inaugural moments to come in January 2025, the president-elect must go seriously introspective. Is he able to understand that the democratic system that has put him in place is showing serious signs of dry rot? Yet there is no superior alternative – whether conceptually or pragmatically - within a fair, open and accountable political system. All it is currently telling us is – by all means hold on to the fundamentals of democracy but seek to find a workable adjustment that can contain the retrogressive changes in society norms that have produced Donald Trump as leader of the democratic world.

It’s a style and standards issue. Trump is already behaving like a bully let loose with his companions in a candy shop. He’s just doing exactly what he feels like. His advisers will no doubt be telling Trump that the general public love him for saying what he thinks, without caring what others think. He won’t need any prompting to indulge in that behaviour.Look no further than three recent appointees. I’ve already mentioned A long Tusk and the Vacillating Vaccinator (Elon Musk and R F Kennedy Jnr respectively) – both appointed to Trump’s top team. The appointment of Matt Gaetz to Attorney-General – the USA Government’s main legal adviser - was the ultimate  inappropriate selection.

Whether you allow yourself a moment’s reflection on the saying – the eyes are the mirror of the soul – you are aghast that Trump can appoint someone who is accused of sexual misconduct. Gaetz withdrew from the appointment and, indeed, Congress, perhaps in the nick of time. Trump knew all this, yet had effectively told the American public – he’s my mate; I’m choosing who I want for my gang. Like it or lump it. Gaetz has not been publicly stated as found guilty. But the American public will inevitably be thinking - there’s no smoke without fire. Is all that a healthy reflection on the State of the greatest democracy?

Post your comment

Your name:

Your e-mail address:

Add your comments:

Please enter the code you see in the image:

Image:

Code: