China LOLs At Trump's Parade and Israel Attacks Iran.
The absence of US world influence and pressure leaves a void that won't be easily filled. Foreign policy is back in the news.
Much like most of Trump’s businesses, Trump’s birthday parade was a bust. Low turnout combined with low energy to put a look on the First Lady of Chain Migration’s face that is priceless. The look of disgust on her face, and having to sit next to the toddler-in chief, pretty much summed up the days events in Washington DC. (If you’ve not seen the videos of her facial expressions from the parade, I highly urge you to watch on your favorite browser.)
His big birthday bash of a parade was mercilessly mocked at home and abroad. He public show of military strength turned made him the laughing stock of real dictators. Played over the loudspeakers was the Creedence Clearwater Revival anti-war hit, “Fortunate Son.” I love it. I’d like to credit whoever put it on the playlist but it’s not known if it was Trump, someone in his regime, or the US military giving him a giant finger.
That being stated, let’s step back to look at the bigger picture of what’s going on on the foreign policy scene. Have a seat, the coffee’s fresh. No smoking.
The Chinese press had a field day with Trump’s parade. China’s official newspaper, The Beijing Daily, wrote, “No matter how it’s staged, it only reinforces the sense that the halo of the USA is fading. And it’s deep-rooted institutional problems remain unresolved. Instead, it invokes deja vu of the setting sun’s afterglow, and a passed that can’t be reclaimed… In 2025, the US is moving toward an uncertain tomorrow - amid gunfire and slogans.”
Wow. Just wow. Those are some stark and stinging words. Keep in mind it’s Chinese propaganda, but, it still bites hard.
No US foreign policy commentary would be complete without addressing the Israel/Iran conflict. It’s not about battle damage assessment. What matters is that the region doesn’t erupt in war. Get this: Trump actually he said he could “easily” get a deal done to end the conflict. He must have settled the Ukraine/Russia war in him mind already and every other place where tensions are hot that he and he alone could negotiate. He said, “We an easily get a deal done between Israel and Iran.” Iran is having none of it. The miscalculated that since there were already ongoing talks to ease regional tensions, they were immune from attack. Iran has zero incentive to negotiate further with the USA and has ceased all discussions. Both Israel and Iran are digging in for a protracted conflict.
Israel heavily damaged Iran’s air defense capabilities and now own’s a good part of the skies over Iran. Iran maintains that the USA was in on and involved in the planning of strikes against them. Iran doesn’t want a regional war. Their state-sponsored military groups have already been severely weakened by Israeli strikes. But, their Foreign Minister did say, if forced, they will expand their list of targets.
The takeaway is that the USA won’t be stepping up to a leadership position in Middle East affairs. No other world leader, no other nation can fill the void left by Trump’s isolationist policies. Does that leave China as the only major player who can get both sides talking? We’ll find out soon enough.
That’s my take. You’re welcome.
Hope for the best - but plan for the worst.
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