Regarding "The appointment of a special envoy is a clear sign of just how strong the Russian position now is. The US has tried to maintain that its war on Russia is actually just a war between Russia and Ukraine—”Russian aggression.” The Russians have maintained all along that the only way forward to a lasting peace is for the US to come out from behind the curtain and negotiate with Russia."
I see the special envoy to the Ukraine/Russia front given the keys to work with the EU/UK more so than either Ukraine or Russia. In other words, Trump will have the envoy ensure that the EU/UK owns this going forward and not the US. Any Ukraine/Russia interaction will be window dressing. My opinion.
I disagree. I get where you're coming from, but any attempt by Trump to push the whole thing off on the Euros *without getting a deal with Russia* will be a clear cut and run. I doubt he will do that--for domestic political reasons, as well as for US influence/prestige generally. Cut and run and MAGA will not be seen to be compatible. From that standpoint a deal with Russia is anything but window dressing.
"The Russians have maintained all along that the only way forward to a lasting peace is for the US to come out from behind the curtain and negotiate with Russia." Yes. The Russians have made it clear that they would not accept negotiating with the U.K. and Europe in lieu of the U.S. That is that.
The foreign policy team is going to have a very hard time achieving anything more than an orderly retreat over the next 4 years. I have been commenting a lot that I think Trump knows this and that the bargain for domestic control was a smart move given how stacked the deck is in favor of the Zionazis but I have zero confidence now that there is any alternative to an actual hot war to put the empire in its place and make them realize that they have been defeated. The information war has led so many people to believe their own propaganda about what’s happening in the world. A physical defeat is necessary to wake them up, and that physical defeat is coming to Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan one way or another. The long war of attrition and diplomacy favors Russia/China/Iran. The hot war favors them even more, and the more maximal and delusional goals the empire pursues the longer and harder the fall.
Do you mean serial adulterers may not be trustworthy? Hegseth, of course. Trump took $100M from Miriam Adelson who wants the West Bank for Israel and, as Zhou would say, son of a gun! Trump appoints people who are openly (two at last count) saying "of course" Israel annexing the West Bank is on the table.
And let me remind you, I was the guy who argued that Adelson didn't own Trump. Mea culpa.
My thinking is based on his first term and how he ran on no more stupid wars that don’t benefit us. Afghanistan and Iraq left a deep impression on him of how they were a waste of time and resources that just drained the U.S. plus the wounded vets he met.
Does the US need to be watchful of an Israel black swan event? Could it be a 9-11 type event brought about by Israel? Anything that goes on in the US I would be cautious of Israel behind the scenes.
I've never used drugs, I think it's a good time to start. Or maybe I'll start drinking alcohol to numb the pain...no more wars, please. If bureaucrats and politicians want wars, send every military age family member of theirs to the front lines - let them be the sacrificial lambs, not our lower income boys and girls. Start by sending Nikki Haley's kids, I'll be happy to pick them up and drop them off at one of our military bases😂
Caesar was trying to save Rome from mad men & corrupt swamp that was ever weakening Rome .... all that you learned at school about Cicero & Cato et al[ios] were lies. The Rubicon had to be crossed! #SPQR
https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2024/11/whos-leaker-trump-transition-team/
https://redstate.com/rusty-weiss/2024/11/15/senator-thune-agrees-with-trump-recess-appointments-on-table-to-fill-controversial-cabinet-positions-n2182027
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-privately-backed-john-thune-tight-leader-race-sen-steve-daines
As suggested, quid pro quo to align appointments. 12 Diet Cokes allow for time to reflect during many bathroom breaks. Two steps ahead.
Yes, as suggested.
Regarding "The appointment of a special envoy is a clear sign of just how strong the Russian position now is. The US has tried to maintain that its war on Russia is actually just a war between Russia and Ukraine—”Russian aggression.” The Russians have maintained all along that the only way forward to a lasting peace is for the US to come out from behind the curtain and negotiate with Russia."
I see the special envoy to the Ukraine/Russia front given the keys to work with the EU/UK more so than either Ukraine or Russia. In other words, Trump will have the envoy ensure that the EU/UK owns this going forward and not the US. Any Ukraine/Russia interaction will be window dressing. My opinion.
Regarding "EU/UK," I don't believe UK sees itself lumped with EU. UK sees itself as "US/UK."
I disagree. I get where you're coming from, but any attempt by Trump to push the whole thing off on the Euros *without getting a deal with Russia* will be a clear cut and run. I doubt he will do that--for domestic political reasons, as well as for US influence/prestige generally. Cut and run and MAGA will not be seen to be compatible. From that standpoint a deal with Russia is anything but window dressing.
"The Russians have maintained all along that the only way forward to a lasting peace is for the US to come out from behind the curtain and negotiate with Russia." Yes. The Russians have made it clear that they would not accept negotiating with the U.K. and Europe in lieu of the U.S. That is that.
That's fine to disagree. I still feel it's a distinct possibility.
The foreign policy team is going to have a very hard time achieving anything more than an orderly retreat over the next 4 years. I have been commenting a lot that I think Trump knows this and that the bargain for domestic control was a smart move given how stacked the deck is in favor of the Zionazis but I have zero confidence now that there is any alternative to an actual hot war to put the empire in its place and make them realize that they have been defeated. The information war has led so many people to believe their own propaganda about what’s happening in the world. A physical defeat is necessary to wake them up, and that physical defeat is coming to Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan one way or another. The long war of attrition and diplomacy favors Russia/China/Iran. The hot war favors them even more, and the more maximal and delusional goals the empire pursues the longer and harder the fall.
You're right. Trump can't do it all on his own. He needs sane, competent people in place.
And trustworthy
Do you mean serial adulterers may not be trustworthy? Hegseth, of course. Trump took $100M from Miriam Adelson who wants the West Bank for Israel and, as Zhou would say, son of a gun! Trump appoints people who are openly (two at last count) saying "of course" Israel annexing the West Bank is on the table.
And let me remind you, I was the guy who argued that Adelson didn't own Trump. Mea culpa.
Swags:
If Israel makes the West Bank part of Israel, it dooms Israel. Israel does not need more Palestinians.
Palestinians on West Bank are not going anywhere.
U.S. government backing is a fact reinforced by power of aipac in Congress.
Israeli government is stuck in a no win situation, outside of lying about effectiveness of their strikes on Iran. Lebanon is a quagmire.
Gaza is another quagmire with continual Israeli casualties.
Israel is under huge economic pressure.
U.S. under Trump is not going to start a war with Iran, or do other military direct actions in the Middle East.
Israel is becoming more and more isolated.
Another 9-11 that mobilizes U.S. to take actions Israel favors won’t happen.
Based on above, it does not matter who Trump appoints to deal with Israel due to above facts.
We will see what happens once Trump takes office, and what he does.
I don't think we can assume Trump won't start a war with Iran.
I think he would prefer to bluff and bluster them into submission, but what happens when they call his bluff?
My thinking is based on his first term and how he ran on no more stupid wars that don’t benefit us. Afghanistan and Iraq left a deep impression on him of how they were a waste of time and resources that just drained the U.S. plus the wounded vets he met.
Does the US need to be watchful of an Israel black swan event? Could it be a 9-11 type event brought about by Israel? Anything that goes on in the US I would be cautious of Israel behind the scenes.
Before reading the Unz article earlier this a couple of months ago, I would say that’s a conspiracy theory and just crazy talk.
Now, I pray the Iranians are too smart to allow themselves to be framed. So far it’s not worked with the alleged Iranian assassination plots.
https://www.unz.com/runz/seeking-9-11-truth-after-twenty-years/
In general I agree. Israel will attempt to expel the Palestinians to Jordan. Cruising for disaster.
In fairness, there's nothing to say Trump won't end up betraying Adelson, too, at some point. This is, as I argued back then, his last go round.
If Trump saves the nation and concept of 'Israel', all Israelis should thank him profusely.
I've never used drugs, I think it's a good time to start. Or maybe I'll start drinking alcohol to numb the pain...no more wars, please. If bureaucrats and politicians want wars, send every military age family member of theirs to the front lines - let them be the sacrificial lambs, not our lower income boys and girls. Start by sending Nikki Haley's kids, I'll be happy to pick them up and drop them off at one of our military bases😂
Gray Connolly @GrayConnolly
Caesar was trying to save Rome from mad men & corrupt swamp that was ever weakening Rome .... all that you learned at school about Cicero & Cato et al[ios] were lies. The Rubicon had to be crossed! #SPQR
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