Not to worry. He will change again when China does something to annoy him. Then he will cozy up to Russia again. Trump has no integrity or loyalty.
2
All may wonder: What is THE TRUMP DOCTRINE?
Perhaps "The Scarlet Pimpernel" provides the key:
Is it here? Is it there?
Must we seek it everywhere?
Up in heaven? Down in hell?
This damned elusive game of shell!
Perhaps "The Scarlet Pimpernel" provides the key:
Is it here? Is it there?
Must we seek it everywhere?
Up in heaven? Down in hell?
This damned elusive game of shell!
This is all theatre, absurd theatre that even Beckett would repudiate. And the NYT has once again taken the bait. Stick to exposing Trump for the poser that he is - tax returns, conflicts of interest, Russian intervention, Emoluments Clause, travel expenses, incompetence, etc. You should be busy until well after the impeachment!
3
Said to be brought to tears upon learning about the daily plight and maltreatment of babies and children in America, Ivanka Trump forced President Trump to order US battleships into the Mississippi River Basin and the Great Lakes, as well as to 6 undisclosed locations along the Pacific and Atlantic Seaboards.
Trump said, "If I can authorize the strike on a Syrian military airfield in retaliation for a chemical attack on civilians that killed at least 86 people, I can attack the U.S. for endangering our beautiful American babies!"
Each Day in America:
4 children are killed by abuse or neglect.
6 children or teens commit suicide.
7 children or teens are killed by guns.
21 children or teens die from accidents.
41 children or teens are injured with a gun.
48 children or teens are injured or killed with a gun.
65 babies die before their first birthdays.
167 children are arrested for violent crimes.
384 children are arrested for drug crimes.
690 babies are born to teen mothers.
874 babies are born at low birthweight.
927 public school students are corporally punished.
1,151 babies are born into extreme poverty.
1,345 babies are born without health insurance.
1,903 children are confirmed as abused or neglected.
2,315 babies are born into poverty.
2,857 high school students drop out.
3,617 children are arrested.
4,396 babies are born to unmarried mothers.
12,816 public school students are suspended.
"I'm drawing a Double Red Line, hugely!" Trump concluded.
Trump said, "If I can authorize the strike on a Syrian military airfield in retaliation for a chemical attack on civilians that killed at least 86 people, I can attack the U.S. for endangering our beautiful American babies!"
Each Day in America:
4 children are killed by abuse or neglect.
6 children or teens commit suicide.
7 children or teens are killed by guns.
21 children or teens die from accidents.
41 children or teens are injured with a gun.
48 children or teens are injured or killed with a gun.
65 babies die before their first birthdays.
167 children are arrested for violent crimes.
384 children are arrested for drug crimes.
690 babies are born to teen mothers.
874 babies are born at low birthweight.
927 public school students are corporally punished.
1,151 babies are born into extreme poverty.
1,345 babies are born without health insurance.
1,903 children are confirmed as abused or neglected.
2,315 babies are born into poverty.
2,857 high school students drop out.
3,617 children are arrested.
4,396 babies are born to unmarried mothers.
12,816 public school students are suspended.
"I'm drawing a Double Red Line, hugely!" Trump concluded.
1
Fake whiplash. There is a connection between investigating Russia's involvement in our elections and the end of the romance between Trump and Putin. This is the real "fake news" that these two are creating.
3
It was only a "shift" if you bought the manufactured line that he was in bed with the Russians all along.
2
Yes, Mr Trump, Putin supports a really evil Assad, but he supported a really vile "you."
How do we reconcile this?
How do we reconcile this?
2
NYT, do not be fooled. There is no diplomatic "clash." Where are the enhanced sanctions? Where is trump's denunciation of Putin? This sequence of events is all too pat, all too staged. And - as far as Syria strikes are concerned - there is little argument that they not only violated domestic and international laws - they achieved virtually nothing. It's window dressing.
2
Remember that all of this stagecraft is being brought to you by a President who literally participated in the World Wrestling Federation's Wrestlemania--the annual paean to staged conflicts, manufactured drama, and Alex Jones-style rants. This administration runs on the same principle: providing fake but entertaining government crises with the end goal of enriching the actors and fleecing the audience.
4
Great. So now this unstable individual in the White House will get us all killed in a nuclear war, just to distract our attention from his collusion with Russia during the campaign.
4
Yet again, to read a truthful assessment of important current events, I have to go straight to the comments section. Thank goodness I was reassured that other readers agree with my suspicion, that this new "toughness" toward Russia is an attempt to deflect and reset the narrative about Russian meddling to get Trump elected, and all the clandestine campaign links with Russian operatives. Is the New York Times a sucker, or are they afraid? What?
4
Whiplash.
We must hope that our intelligence is flawless. But ...
The First Casualty by Phillip Knightley must be remembered.
War is no friend to truth.
The clever evil doers will stop at nothing.
Sadly, Ken Alibek - BIOHAZARD was his book - detailed what managed to find its way to Saddam's Iraq from Russia. He knew. He came to the USA to talk.
Trump has had at least three in his circle that were involved with Moscow. Manafort simply lied. So did Flynn. Then there is the guy the FBI investigated.
We have Assange, seemingly brokered by Moscow.
We we cannot trust our president, we can expect domestic upset, even violence.
Well, we cannot trust President Trump. Will the office change the man?
Syria is no place to seek the truth.
But The White House? Do we have a right to truth there?
Putin is lost. We are lost if we cannot trust President Trump.
I do trust Gen. Mattis, Gen. McMaster, and Sec. Tillerson. Let's hope my trust is justified.
Let's hope that the lying stops.
Let's hope that Russia comes around.
Assassination is not a way to run a government.
Surely President Putin knows this.
Am I dreaming?
We must hope that our intelligence is flawless. But ...
The First Casualty by Phillip Knightley must be remembered.
War is no friend to truth.
The clever evil doers will stop at nothing.
Sadly, Ken Alibek - BIOHAZARD was his book - detailed what managed to find its way to Saddam's Iraq from Russia. He knew. He came to the USA to talk.
Trump has had at least three in his circle that were involved with Moscow. Manafort simply lied. So did Flynn. Then there is the guy the FBI investigated.
We have Assange, seemingly brokered by Moscow.
We we cannot trust our president, we can expect domestic upset, even violence.
Well, we cannot trust President Trump. Will the office change the man?
Syria is no place to seek the truth.
But The White House? Do we have a right to truth there?
Putin is lost. We are lost if we cannot trust President Trump.
I do trust Gen. Mattis, Gen. McMaster, and Sec. Tillerson. Let's hope my trust is justified.
Let's hope that the lying stops.
Let's hope that Russia comes around.
Assassination is not a way to run a government.
Surely President Putin knows this.
Am I dreaming?
Putin is an expert at chess. And hockey.
Trump is an expert in, well, ... hmm, maybe rock-paper-scissors?
Trump is an expert in, well, ... hmm, maybe rock-paper-scissors?
2
Secretary of State Rex W. Tillerson arrived in Moscow with a harsh warning that Russia had better give up its support of Mr. Assad. He was greeted with a cold shoulder, denied a meeting with Mr. Putin...UH, but tillerson met with Putin.
3
We have then the definitive neocon for president and I am unnerved by this.
2
Who knows what's REALLY going on? A realistic scenario: Because of intense dislike for Hilary Clinton, Putin and Russia interfere with the 2016 election in order to get Trump elected. Secondary aim is to sow chaos. Both results are achieved with or without Trump's direct collusion or knowledge, to Russia's surprise and delight. However, Trump, being inexperienced and incompetent, bumbles through his first weeks of his presidency (as we are witnessing) forgetting to stay on message about what a "great guy" Vlad is, and everyone, including Putin, may regret that HRC hadn't prevailed.
7
No ones head should spin! Trump is a master of the grifter's trade craft, diversion. Keep your eye on the ball: Russian interference in our election and Trump staffers' connections to Russia.
11
Such an abrupt change reflects a lack of foreign policy vision or any kind of coherent strategy to deal with Russia or Syria. It's more likely the product of a PR strategy to deflect allegations of collusion with Russia in the election, a ploy that places Trump's image ahead of the interests of the country.
3
As a former KGB officer, he has become a Master Commander in Chief of Covert action that the United States will have to learn how to deal with him. He knows what he has been talking about since the dissolution of the USSR: the restoration of the geo-strategic influence for Russia. Surely, he has felt so nostalgic about the greatness of the USSR in the World affairs.
Surprise, surprise (not)! Putin met after all, with his "Medal of Freedom" buddy, Rex "Sanctions-Relief" Tillerson. If Trump were any closer to Putin, Melania would be embarrassed.
4
Eric Trump - most of us are not that naive ...
4
It's all kabuki theatre. Putin put trump into office. Trump thought he could contain the backlash, but back-benchers like Devin Nunes and Sean Spicer weren't up to the task. With evidence of incompetence savaging his poll numbers, trump thought he'd try this. Surely there could be no collusion if he's reinvigorating the Cold War with Putin. Just ask Eric. There is no evidence of governance in this country at this time. I don't know how long this can go on before we permanently lose our way.
14
We are now in Act 1 Scene 2
Act 1 Scene 1 - Putin assists Trump "win the election"
Act 1 Scene 2 - Putin and Trump create diversion using Syria
Act 1 Scene 3 - To Be Determined....
Act 1 Scene 1 - Putin assists Trump "win the election"
Act 1 Scene 2 - Putin and Trump create diversion using Syria
Act 1 Scene 3 - To Be Determined....
1
I hope this is just a scripted Break-Up and not true?
For POTUS and Vlad made a cute couple.
For POTUS and Vlad made a cute couple.
1
off the subject but what has happened to the riveting & important issue of the Trump teams' pre election collaboration with Russia..no more follow up? no more investigation? is it no longer relevant? was that issue just the flavor of the week?
2
Trump literally cannot speak a sentence that isn't a lie, a fabrication or aggressively ignorant. The man is mentally unbalanced, a pathological liar and dangerous narcissist who is creating a dangerous conflict to distract from a criminal investigation.
5
This reminds me of the 1997 Barry Levinson film "Wag the Dog" except this is real. People are really getting bombed and killed by our presidents decision to change his foreign policy with the direction of the wind. To change the narrative as quickly as possible. When over a 1,000 people were killed by chemical weapons in Syria a few years back, then Donald Trump reality television host and real estate developer clearly took a stand for our then President to not take any military action. Now it is President Trump and there is an investigation going on that ties his campaign team to open communications with top Russian officials, and when 100+ people are killed by chemical weapons, now suddenly he was moved by photos he saw on tv to take action without asking congress. Trump was in a mad hurry to do something, it was the perfect solution for watergate2017, a gift to turn the tables on the media and therefore the public. Bomb Syria, talk tough on Russia but make sure Putin knows in advance. What I cannot believe is how after being taken to the bank and back again by Trump during the last 2 years, the media falls right back into his lap. Like Pavlov's dog many a reporter, podcaster and broadcaster is left salivating for another reward, an exclusive with Trump (think CBS) if they wag their tail and run after the ball he just tossed out. Let us hope, we have the footing and perseverance, one tough journalist and paper at a time, to connect the dots on the Trump Russia Election.
3
Keep your eyes on the Russian efforts to suborne the elections, manipulate voters, and control Trump Adinistration policymakers. Trump has no core values beyond self interest.
4
My gut sense is that Trump's "show of force" and sudden friction with Putin is not all it is cracked up to be. Clearly, I am not alone in my thinking. Nothing he has said since becoming a presidential candidate has been trustworthy. Trump says whatever is useful at the time and will, with a straight face, say or do the complete opposite at a future time. It may be tempting to hope that he is starting to "get it" regarding Russia but I wouldn't count on it.
3
“If there was anything that Syria did, it was to validate the fact that there is no Russia tie,” said Eric Trump, the president’s son. This is a ridiculous statement. Trump already has what he wants, the presidency. It would not be at all surprising if broke a promise to Putin. His career has been built on broken promises. Trump knows he will pay no price with the citizens of the US if he re-engages with Putin in a civil war. Eric's answer is worth what most of the promises by his father are worth-zero.
7
Maybe if the libs would leave Trump alone, he could conduct business and do what is best for the country and the world.
Trump is intellectually and morally unable to be Pres of this country.
2
Consider it nothing more than a diversion to confuse and lead the investigative reporting in another direction. We are on to you sir!
It's a made up lovers spat to throw the American people off track. This ploy has been used for centuries by our politicians.
15
I feel there is no need to apologize for being a "conspiracy theorist," when saying that it's quite possible that this is a put on, a show, that benefits Putin and Trump. Rather, it's a sensible conclusion. Trump has no credibility. His lies have been constant.. Someone with no credibility leads one to think, what are the real hidden motives?
Last night I came across a passage by the author/historian Annette Gordon-Reed in her book, "The Hemingses of Monticello." The context was how to determine the truth when you are only seeing a partial picture of something.
"In the end, right answers and true stories have a positive cascading effect because they illuminate. They enable one to notice and make sense of things that one might have ignored or thought incomprehensible without them, thus allowing for a clearer picture of the world one is surveying. Wrong answers and false stories obscure matters and have little or no explanatory power.
"They shed no light on the facts, circumstances, or actions in the world they purport to describe, because they are not really of that world, and thus cannot help explain it. Instead, they tend to make matters more confusing, by creating their own negative cascading effect, as other bad answers, weak, illogical and/or simply false stories must be offered up to shore up the original wrong answer's deficiencies."
Trump and his administration have no explanatory power. They are anti-illuminated, like a black hole.
Last night I came across a passage by the author/historian Annette Gordon-Reed in her book, "The Hemingses of Monticello." The context was how to determine the truth when you are only seeing a partial picture of something.
"In the end, right answers and true stories have a positive cascading effect because they illuminate. They enable one to notice and make sense of things that one might have ignored or thought incomprehensible without them, thus allowing for a clearer picture of the world one is surveying. Wrong answers and false stories obscure matters and have little or no explanatory power.
"They shed no light on the facts, circumstances, or actions in the world they purport to describe, because they are not really of that world, and thus cannot help explain it. Instead, they tend to make matters more confusing, by creating their own negative cascading effect, as other bad answers, weak, illogical and/or simply false stories must be offered up to shore up the original wrong answer's deficiencies."
Trump and his administration have no explanatory power. They are anti-illuminated, like a black hole.
I only trust trump to lie. Nothing else. But the real question is whether he lies because he's actually illiterate, or because he's ignorant or because he's purposefully deceitful.
15
He lies because of the latter of course.This con knows exactly what he's doing. It's a distraction, so that, while everyone's paying attention to his tweets, the Republicans are trashing the very fabric of this country.
3
Just as the US constantly trying (with little success) to influence events in Russia (and kudos for that puny effort), so Russia is doing what every major country is doing world-wide.
As a result of this "interference," Ms Clinton received about 3 million more votes than Mr Trump. Due to her own bornirt cupidity, the votes were cast in the wrong states, but only idiots could imagine that this was due to "da Russkies."
So where is the Dems' gratitude for the Russian help?
Cold War talk much?
As a result of this "interference," Ms Clinton received about 3 million more votes than Mr Trump. Due to her own bornirt cupidity, the votes were cast in the wrong states, but only idiots could imagine that this was due to "da Russkies."
So where is the Dems' gratitude for the Russian help?
Cold War talk much?
“If there was anything that Syria did, it was to validate the fact that there is no Russia tie,” said Eric Trump, the president’s son."
There IS a Russia tie!
NY Times, please keep digging!
There IS a Russia tie!
NY Times, please keep digging!
10
Trump's rapid shift on Russia or any issue he is handling must always be questioned. Not only is he inexperienced in government but he lies all the time. Also, he's turned The White House into The Trump House, surrounding himself with family members as inexperienced as he is and with their own family agenda. SAD
3
It's almost impossible to believe that a faker like Trump, who openly and unashamedly mocked the disabled, would empathize with Syrian victims of the gas attack. This is the same man who remains indifferent to the suffering of the desperate Syrian refugees.
10
Trump is being perfectly consistent with Trump. He has taken his business management-by-fiat style into his governing-by-fiat attempts. The notion that be will turn on anyone, at any time, has been demonstrated by him all along. By constantly searching for some sort of rational 'Trump Doctrine', the media and politicians look, at best, nieve.
5
I see Henry Kissinger's pragmatism in the turnaround. The horrors in Syria could not have come at a better time for Trump whether the turnaround re Russia was sincere or pure opportunism. I'd like to think Truump has some humanity, but his history does not make one inclined to think so.
6
Trump has not shifted on Russia. They supported him throughout the election and will continue to support him. Putin continues to pursue the opportunity to split the Western allies who cost him so much with the economic sanctions by simply allowing a marginal strike against Assad. This hue and outcry has no other purpose than to mask the evidence that Russia interfered with the election of an American President. Their reward is in progress as Trump deconstructs the federal system and the reputation of the United States.
7
Put no trust in either.
6
I'm not buying any of this and won't until all the investigations have run their course. our president, quite simply, is not trustworthy
7
It is time for the congress or the military to reign in mister Trump before he starts a world war. Even if the primitive minds in this country approve of Trumps irrational behavior, it is time to get some kind of control over the man. We can push Putin around a little bit because we trust him, he is stable, but if we start pushing around somebody who we are not sure of and that somebody possesses Nukes, thats a fools mission.
4
As horrible as was the chemical attack on Syrian civilians, the casualty count pales in comparison to American casualties (death, suffering) to be incurred when Mr. Trump and the GOP repeal the ACA.
Of the 24 million fewer Americans to have healthcare insurance after repeal of the ACA, many will die; many, many more will suffer severe ill heath.
Where is Trump’s empathy for American life?
Of the 24 million fewer Americans to have healthcare insurance after repeal of the ACA, many will die; many, many more will suffer severe ill heath.
Where is Trump’s empathy for American life?
5
Just because Eric Trump says his father did not have tie ins with Russia and Putin does not make it so.
The investigations will eventually show those connections and more and will eventually result in Trump's removal from office.
Anything less would be tragic for our country and disastrous for the world.
The investigations will eventually show those connections and more and will eventually result in Trump's removal from office.
Anything less would be tragic for our country and disastrous for the world.
3
We bombed an empty airstrip that was apparently given hours of advance notice. We did this with such accuracy that none of the actual runways were damaged. The Russians and Syrians were operating within six hours.
I am incredulous that $60 million went to put on a good show to distract from Russia/Trump collusion.
And now he is off to attack N. Korea.
I Don't have whiplash, but I bet WH staff does, with all the desperation over there.
I am incredulous that $60 million went to put on a good show to distract from Russia/Trump collusion.
And now he is off to attack N. Korea.
I Don't have whiplash, but I bet WH staff does, with all the desperation over there.
25
Please, spare me this analysis. I take nothing trump and his cabinet say and do at face value, and believe everything they do is meant as a distraction. They are con artists without a moral compass. As far as I know trump and putin are working together to camoflauge their behind the scenes activities.
20
If you still support this soft, doughy, pampered, draft dodging, trust fund sissy your mental problems are as serious as his.
13
Obama allowed Syria to keep their nerve gas capabilities by not verifying their removal. Now his delusional supporters want to blame the next president for retaliating. Please.
1
Trump couldn't have colluded with Putin during the election run up if he's now criticizing him over Syria. Right? With stories like this, the NYT is helping Trump divert attention from the Russia investigation.
There is no temperature shift. Trump is lying, as usual, and the missile strikes were a mere diversion. Trump doesn't care about Syrians getting gassed. He cares about his Swiss bank accounts. He doesn't want to go to jail, and he doesn't want his cronies in government to go to jail. Every act of his so-called presidency is a lie, calculated to distract a gullible American public from learning the truth.
There is no temperature shift. Trump is lying, as usual, and the missile strikes were a mere diversion. Trump doesn't care about Syrians getting gassed. He cares about his Swiss bank accounts. He doesn't want to go to jail, and he doesn't want his cronies in government to go to jail. Every act of his so-called presidency is a lie, calculated to distract a gullible American public from learning the truth.
15
You can't possibly be this stupid.
I say this because I know for a fact that you're not.
I say this because I know for a fact that you're not.
4
Really? No surprise at all. Master Con-man in action. Trump is playing the public for fools.
FBI & Congressional investigations into Trump campaign colluding with Russia getting too close for comfort? Easy-peasy: do an about face on the tenor of comments directed at or about Russia. Military action helps, too. Using missile strikes to deflect unwanted attention isn't new. The fact that such a strike also supports a just cause is plain good luck. How could anyone question our resolute leader's new-found compassion and his desire to protect babies?
And since it's no secret Trump doesn't have a fixed ideology, his abrupt change in direction can be explained away with yet more obfuscation.
Presto-magico: no more Russian problem.
FBI & Congressional investigations into Trump campaign colluding with Russia getting too close for comfort? Easy-peasy: do an about face on the tenor of comments directed at or about Russia. Military action helps, too. Using missile strikes to deflect unwanted attention isn't new. The fact that such a strike also supports a just cause is plain good luck. How could anyone question our resolute leader's new-found compassion and his desire to protect babies?
And since it's no secret Trump doesn't have a fixed ideology, his abrupt change in direction can be explained away with yet more obfuscation.
Presto-magico: no more Russian problem.
11
"...the détente once envisioned by Mr. Trump has instead deteriorated into the latest cold war."
I hope Mr. Baker is taken to the woodshed by more responsible NYT journalists for falling hook, line and sinker for the latest Trump disinformation campaign. Each time more information surfaces about the so-called president's collusion with Russia to smear Hillary Clinton and snatch the 2016 election there will be a attention-grabbing new military strike or its equivalent to change the narrative in a hurry. Mr. Baker is further muddying the waters; he deserves a thank-you note or cash payout from our felon-in-chief.
I hope Mr. Baker is taken to the woodshed by more responsible NYT journalists for falling hook, line and sinker for the latest Trump disinformation campaign. Each time more information surfaces about the so-called president's collusion with Russia to smear Hillary Clinton and snatch the 2016 election there will be a attention-grabbing new military strike or its equivalent to change the narrative in a hurry. Mr. Baker is further muddying the waters; he deserves a thank-you note or cash payout from our felon-in-chief.
12
So Princess Ivanka, instead of experienced foreign policy and military experts, is now calling the shots on military actions in the violent cauldron that is the Middle East?! God save us.
15
Mr T's missiles had all the effect of the ones which Mr Clinton shot off at the meeting of Al Qeada leaders in the 90's. In that instance, Mr Clinton's rockets were an hour late-everyone had left the area and he broke a few boulders.
In Mr T's case, his missiles landed on an air field , easily repaired and refurbished in a day or so. In the case of Clinton, his "attack" raised cries of derision and elicited ridicule from the GOP which, even after the unsuccessful 1994 WTC garage bombing, did not give any credence to the concept of a foreign group attempting to make guerilla war on the USA. Republicans suggested Clinton was merely trying to divert media and public attention away from his minor affair with ML.
It remains to be seen whether the attack on the Syrian airfield was a proposal resulting from T's daughter, or represents anything more solid that a one shot display of anger by the new President.
As for Putin, he wasn't hurt-he got far more than he expected-a US President who cannot read, doesn't understand his or any other government and attracts far more bad press then Putin himself.
Putin may hsve aided in the election of a clown to the White House. But whatever he did or didn't do-it was the US voters who elected and voted for DJT. Propaganda has been around since humans began talking, but this might be the first time that Russian propaganda , by design, aided a Republican candidate .
In Mr T's case, his missiles landed on an air field , easily repaired and refurbished in a day or so. In the case of Clinton, his "attack" raised cries of derision and elicited ridicule from the GOP which, even after the unsuccessful 1994 WTC garage bombing, did not give any credence to the concept of a foreign group attempting to make guerilla war on the USA. Republicans suggested Clinton was merely trying to divert media and public attention away from his minor affair with ML.
It remains to be seen whether the attack on the Syrian airfield was a proposal resulting from T's daughter, or represents anything more solid that a one shot display of anger by the new President.
As for Putin, he wasn't hurt-he got far more than he expected-a US President who cannot read, doesn't understand his or any other government and attracts far more bad press then Putin himself.
Putin may hsve aided in the election of a clown to the White House. But whatever he did or didn't do-it was the US voters who elected and voted for DJT. Propaganda has been around since humans began talking, but this might be the first time that Russian propaganda , by design, aided a Republican candidate .
8
This is nothing but a calculated head fake. Eric Trump spilled the beans with his comments. Delay delay delay. Nothing Trump does is for any purpose other than self service. Hey look over there! A bunny!
9
Well, my guess is that Putin is narcissstic and bull-headed but not stupid.
Putin will let the US score one in Syria and even dump his buddy Assad, the regional gang leader --- in exchange for a bigger prize, which is the US weakening NATO and lifting the sanctions.
I think the Trump administration still "owes Putin one" and is still compromised by the fact of accepting Putin's help in manipulating the election in their favour.
So I am very doubtful that this is really a "new Cold War." I think Putin will accept, at least for now, that it was a necessary reaction to keep the Trump administration looking viable and in charge. But that at the end of the day, as long as the Trump administration delivers on something of more strategic importance to Putin, then I think Putin will just back off on his support for Assad.
Putin will let the US score one in Syria and even dump his buddy Assad, the regional gang leader --- in exchange for a bigger prize, which is the US weakening NATO and lifting the sanctions.
I think the Trump administration still "owes Putin one" and is still compromised by the fact of accepting Putin's help in manipulating the election in their favour.
So I am very doubtful that this is really a "new Cold War." I think Putin will accept, at least for now, that it was a necessary reaction to keep the Trump administration looking viable and in charge. But that at the end of the day, as long as the Trump administration delivers on something of more strategic importance to Putin, then I think Putin will just back off on his support for Assad.
5
Russia policy. Who are you kidding? We are living in Bizarro world, with a semi-coherent man making semi-coherent policy based o his semi-coherent brain. There is no there there when it comes to any concept of what he is doing. It is all designed to give him talking points about how smart, brave, great, cunning, clever, tough, and wonderful he wants people to think he is. And the ones who think that are as demented as he is. What will be left of the country when he is done?
7
I tried to read the New York Times from cover to cover every day. However, I have not seen any reporting about what pilot was at the controls of the SU – 22 used two deploy the Sarin gas? Was it a Syrian pilot? Was it a Russian pilot? has anybody asked to find out? In any other premeditated murder the driver or the pilot would be a very important person to be identified first.
Second, all the reporting I have read, including the New York Times, appears to assume that the Sarin gas originated with the Syrians. How do we know that? Has anybody asked? The Russians clearly have an enormous chemical warfare capability and they certainly could've supplied the Sarin gas. How do we know that it was not Russian Sarin gas?
I may be wrong, I often am, but I have not seen any reporting addressing what I think are the two most critical issues that remain unresolved and unaddressed.
I wish that the New York Times would take the lead in trying to determine who piloted the airplane? Specifically, where did the Sarin gas come from? Syrian stockpiles? Or Russian stockpiles? Thank you in advance.
Second, all the reporting I have read, including the New York Times, appears to assume that the Sarin gas originated with the Syrians. How do we know that? Has anybody asked? The Russians clearly have an enormous chemical warfare capability and they certainly could've supplied the Sarin gas. How do we know that it was not Russian Sarin gas?
I may be wrong, I often am, but I have not seen any reporting addressing what I think are the two most critical issues that remain unresolved and unaddressed.
I wish that the New York Times would take the lead in trying to determine who piloted the airplane? Specifically, where did the Sarin gas come from? Syrian stockpiles? Or Russian stockpiles? Thank you in advance.
3
" Was it a Syrian pilot? Was it a Russian pilot?"
Details, details.
After all -- did it really matter who killed Archduke Ferdinand? (In fact, it was Gavrilo Princip; but did you know: dozens of others were waiting with guns on Franz's motor route??)
Details, details.
After all -- did it really matter who killed Archduke Ferdinand? (In fact, it was Gavrilo Princip; but did you know: dozens of others were waiting with guns on Franz's motor route??)
You ask a very good question about the pilot. The pilot was killed a couple of days ago when his car exploded. Convenient, isn't it?!!
The Japanese also used Sarin gas.
This is nonsense. The Times is comparing its longstanding, inaccurate perceptions of Trump's positions to his actual positions in real-life situations. This is self-inflicted whiplash.
1
So maybe Ivanka is the key to the U-turn on Russia? And reportedly Bannon is being pushed onto thin ice by Jared and Ivanka? Simply incredible. Every week there are things happening that have never before happened in American democracy. But as a practical matter, we could do a lot worse than have Ivanka and Jared become the chief advisers to the president. They are a lot of things but they are not ultra-conservative haters or white nationalists.
3
[4/12/2017 10:55 AM]
The Drumpf administration, having spilled the salt into the foreign policy cake batter, is busily trying to adjust the recipe to fit the mistake.
The Drumpf administration, having spilled the salt into the foreign policy cake batter, is busily trying to adjust the recipe to fit the mistake.
3
The "whiplash" term referred to in the article is best directed at the American voters who elected Mr Trump. He is a snake in the grass. The voters must pay attention. Mr Trump repeatedly contradicts himself, appoints cronies to the federal government rather than competent office holders, does not keep his promises to the public. If the voters do not feel the whiplash, then they are willfully looking away.
7
So he was in bed with them for years, now 90 days later he's tough on them eh !
Did you not know what you were talking about then, or do you not know what you're talking about now?
Did you not know what you were talking about then, or do you not know what you're talking about now?
3
It's clear to me that Trump has no grand strategy, no well-thought out, well-reasoned plan. He operates by the seat of his ego. Doesn't work for teens. Doesn't work for Trump. Nor the world.
10
Erdogan, Sisi. Assad, May, Modi, Netanyahu, Xi Xing Ping, Putin, Duterte, Kim Jong Un, Abe, and now our very own guy, DJT, to join the parade of strong men, wannabe strong men (Trump), dictators, autocrats, and right-wing nationalists. If you think these walking and breathing caricatures of all that's wrong with the world and their army of blinkered supporters are going to lead to anything except chaos, war, brutality, and general mayhem, well, you're not thinking very clearly.
2
As much as this Russian/American problem gives the world a reason for pause and concern, the potential for real calamity and cataclysmic results is festering and growing on the other side of the planet with North Korea.
Kim Jung-un is delusional, paranoid and extremely unpredictable and unstable.
Donald Trump is delusional, paranoid and extremely unpredictable and unstable.
A confrontation between these two mental giants could prove to be devastating to the entire world.
Both sides need to tread lightly and think carefully, something neither one has show the world with any great confidence or clarity.
The entire world will watch these two men with little faith or confidence in either one of them.
Kim Jung-un is delusional, paranoid and extremely unpredictable and unstable.
Donald Trump is delusional, paranoid and extremely unpredictable and unstable.
A confrontation between these two mental giants could prove to be devastating to the entire world.
Both sides need to tread lightly and think carefully, something neither one has show the world with any great confidence or clarity.
The entire world will watch these two men with little faith or confidence in either one of them.
5
So, a couple reasonable inferences here. One is, don't expect consistency from Donald Trump. A caveat, however ... Two: the default is hostility. Cooperation is an exception.
I mean, the man started out by alienating trade partners and allies. It makes sense that he's also going to confront rivals.
I mean, the man started out by alienating trade partners and allies. It makes sense that he's also going to confront rivals.
5
Ahh, you mean confront BFFs.
1
It's not official until Vlad or Trump change their BFF Status on FaceBook.
11
To ensure we're all on the Wrong Page, Russia Bad Now, yes?
Is there an expiration date,..like the last time?
Is there an expiration date,..like the last time?
7
President Drump's new found "religion" on Russia is like the person sitting in jail knowing he's guilty suddenly finding "religion" in the hope of getting a reduced sentence.
I hope the Democrats and those on Capital Hill concerned about Russia's attempt to destabilize our democracy doesn't fall for this trick.
The prisoner didn't get to jail because he was singing too loudly in church.
I hope the Democrats and those on Capital Hill concerned about Russia's attempt to destabilize our democracy doesn't fall for this trick.
The prisoner didn't get to jail because he was singing too loudly in church.
9
I feel some sympathy for the press, which appears completely bewildered by the chaotic movements in national and world affairs.
But only some.
Having leaned over so far to believe anything bad about Putin and Russia, and anything bad about Assad, and anything bad about Trump and the Republican-dominated Congress, the Western press's bewilderment is largely its own fault, as various actors have identified the press as eager pawns they can use in their own games.
Western newspapers have overridden any doubts about the "apparent" gassing incident in Syria, and any doubts about Trump's "apparent" collusion with Putin to win the last election, and has instead consistently and aggressively stepped over uncertainty to proclaim certainty in the version it wants to promote--often based on merely plausible speculative rationales.
Traditionally, the public--and therefore national and international affairs--is much better served when the press suspends judgement and gives far more weight to certainty (and doubt) arising from investigation and fact-finding than to advocating a particular political or ideological viewpoint. The press has been failing badly on this balance, and is looking as gullible and willing to be led as it did before the Iraq invasion in 2003.
Sadly, because they have been so successful, we can only expect more of the brazen and sophisticated manipulations of the press that we have suffered under during the past few years.
But only some.
Having leaned over so far to believe anything bad about Putin and Russia, and anything bad about Assad, and anything bad about Trump and the Republican-dominated Congress, the Western press's bewilderment is largely its own fault, as various actors have identified the press as eager pawns they can use in their own games.
Western newspapers have overridden any doubts about the "apparent" gassing incident in Syria, and any doubts about Trump's "apparent" collusion with Putin to win the last election, and has instead consistently and aggressively stepped over uncertainty to proclaim certainty in the version it wants to promote--often based on merely plausible speculative rationales.
Traditionally, the public--and therefore national and international affairs--is much better served when the press suspends judgement and gives far more weight to certainty (and doubt) arising from investigation and fact-finding than to advocating a particular political or ideological viewpoint. The press has been failing badly on this balance, and is looking as gullible and willing to be led as it did before the Iraq invasion in 2003.
Sadly, because they have been so successful, we can only expect more of the brazen and sophisticated manipulations of the press that we have suffered under during the past few years.
1
If the Donald truly cares about poor little babies then he needs to think about how coal mining infects and destroys their lungs by unleashing toxic fumes into their air and environment as well as killing their parents with black lung disease. If the Donald truly cares about poor little babies he needs to take the 54 billion dollars he wants to engorge the military industrial complex and make rich all the war making industry leaders and instead funnel money into social safety networks and programs to enrich and educate the poorest among us. Every dollar that the Donald cuts from social programs including medicare and Medicaid and on and on kills people and when people die because they can't get the medical help they need their poor little babies have no one to take care of them. Everything that the Donald does or says is out of the deepest ignorance and inability to connect the dots. When he sees suffering on TV, then he is upset. Maybe we need to broadcast all the local hospitals where he can see the people he now threatens to kill by cutting off vital health and human service funding. @johannaclear
17
Is it a high and avanced spin to show americans, that Trump not is friend Putin?
2
President Trump is a very, very weak and shallow man.
14
1. You need to go to store and buy some more "Very"s.
2. He's not that weak, just overcompensating.
3. Make that overoverovercompensating.
2. He's not that weak, just overcompensating.
3. Make that overoverovercompensating.
2
Why, it's a red herring, of course.
5
So the Democrats now seem to support Russian view saying the chemical attacks was an orchestration so that Trump will boost his image here in US. Earlier it was Republicans supporting the Russians during the elections, now it is the turn of Democrats.
"Seem?"
What kind of indictment is that trumpet?
Come on!
Be a real trumpet and make your baseless Fox Kids lies more grandiose.
Say that it was really the Democrats who hired Manafort and Page.
And that it was the Democrats who launched the Sarin gas attack.
Haven't you been paying attention?
Your draft dodging president accused President Obama of wiretapping Baradur...Sorry...Trump Tower.
Lies with the the word "Seem" in it are weak and doughy.
Your draft dodging president demands more from his base.
What kind of indictment is that trumpet?
Come on!
Be a real trumpet and make your baseless Fox Kids lies more grandiose.
Say that it was really the Democrats who hired Manafort and Page.
And that it was the Democrats who launched the Sarin gas attack.
Haven't you been paying attention?
Your draft dodging president accused President Obama of wiretapping Baradur...Sorry...Trump Tower.
Lies with the the word "Seem" in it are weak and doughy.
Your draft dodging president demands more from his base.
2
No One, I mean No One can Love the Kremlin more than the POTUS and GOP.
In that match, they run unopposed.
In that match, they run unopposed.
Let's not discount the possibility that Putin and Trump conspired for a relatively harmless gesture of strength on the part of Trump to divert attention from the Russia connection and the "Intelligence" probes into Trump & Russia collusion in the election. If that were the case, it would be a brilliant move that has been completely successful. Trump looks strong and no one wants to challenge the legitimacy of a US President engaged in military action. After all, the same move was successful in Vietnam, Granada and Iraq.
It is well known, that Mr. Trump likes to say things to see what sorts of reaction ensue. The myth that he is soft on Russia comes from reactions by various media to certain statements he made during his campaign among Republican hopefuls and later during his campaign for the Presidency. As a businessman, Mr. Trump may have had contacts with Russian businessmen, each side trying to get the best deal possible; but that should never have been construed as an endorsement by him of the Russian government and its policies.
If Putin was really mad at Trump he would simply be able to hint that there is substance to the Russian probe. And if he wanted to yank Trump's chain, he could simply show the nasty Moscow Carlton tape to Tillerson. Trump is doing exactly what Putin wants him to be doing. This is all a charade to make it seem that Trump is 'fighting with Tillerson' - theater for the dumb suckers who believed Trump would give them free health care and a job.
2
And today I read that Trump has hinted at firing Comey. I guess that would effectively hamper the Russian hacking investigation insofar as it pertains to Trump. When you think it can't get any worse...
2
Now Eric Trump spouts off with his international affairs "insight." This Trump "All in the Family" farce endangers our USA and every American.
7
"Here boys, here's a nice steak ... I'm throwing off over there in the bushes! Go fetch!! Attaboy! Now leave me alone...."
8
Trump is deeply pained by the facts that he resoundingly lost the popular vote, he was loudly protested by tens of thousands of people the day after being feted by a relative few during his inauguration, that his approval ratings are setting record lows, that he has repeatedly been proven to be a liar, and that he is constantly being investigated for unethical and criminal activities. He desperately wants to be regarded as a brilliant visionary and a glorious hero, single-handedly returning America to greatness.
He discovered a way to gain popularity and deflect from his ugly faults by demonizing Mexicans and Muslims. Now he is demonizing Putin and Assad, ramping up his criticism and conspiracy theories daily.
And all the news reporting is confused about his motives in Syria. Think about it.
He discovered a way to gain popularity and deflect from his ugly faults by demonizing Mexicans and Muslims. Now he is demonizing Putin and Assad, ramping up his criticism and conspiracy theories daily.
And all the news reporting is confused about his motives in Syria. Think about it.
6
Isnt it convenient that Trump can find a way to turn the tables on his Russia position . Do they think we are that stupid? I read the NYT headline and am disgusted . I know however that the NYT investigative journalists are still hard at work seeking the truth about the Russia connection and will get to the bottom of this mess . Please please .
6
They needed more diversion. They were running out of them. Unfortunately, the media just goes along with him. Anyone who believes Trump cares about children is a complete fool. This man was accused of repeatedly raping a 13 year old girl. It didn't stay in court because her life was threatened.
6
It's all manufactured tension.
Russian soldiers at the base were warned ahead of the missile strike and Syrian jets were up and flying from that airstrip within a day.
Only when Trump announces and takes action on a long-term strategy that diametrically opposes Putin's Syria plan, which he won't, would I begin to discuss the existence of any real tension. Heck, I'm pretty sure it was just yesterday when Tillerson all but approved of Russia's annexation of Ukraine.
Furthermore, none of this should detract from the investigation of Russia-Trump collusion.
This administration is both competent enough to take action that shrouds the truth and incompetent enough to screw up being a puppet.
Russian soldiers at the base were warned ahead of the missile strike and Syrian jets were up and flying from that airstrip within a day.
Only when Trump announces and takes action on a long-term strategy that diametrically opposes Putin's Syria plan, which he won't, would I begin to discuss the existence of any real tension. Heck, I'm pretty sure it was just yesterday when Tillerson all but approved of Russia's annexation of Ukraine.
Furthermore, none of this should detract from the investigation of Russia-Trump collusion.
This administration is both competent enough to take action that shrouds the truth and incompetent enough to screw up being a puppet.
5
Eric Trump, fresh off an African safari killing various animals, tells us there is no Russia connection. Wow. That's good enough for me. I am totally convinced.
What's Trump gonna have to blow up to get us off the topic of why he's blowing things up? I see Sweden finally cooperated. Vlad's late with the blue light specials these dayz.
1
Why, with each headline touting Russian - American "new rift", do I get the feeling that it's all a sham, engineered by Putin to make his Trumpet look tough and therefore distance him from the collusion we all know has been going on since before Trumpkin stepped on his first campaign stage. The Syrian gassing was perfectly orchestrated ("Hi, Assad? This is Vlad. Gas a few people, okay? Trump needs to look heroic.") to the speech that revealed for the first time, Trump's empathy and love of children, the scenario went perfectly and the m.sm is responding well. Even your headline "...Putin keeps Tillerson Waiting" promotes that underlying message. Please! Think like a scared and teetering world leader instead of a wide-eyed journalist bedazzled by power who must believe/report all facts objectively without a peek behind the curtain.
4
The reporting by the main stream media including the NYT on this likely deception engineered by Putin has degenerated into parroting the information provided by the principal actors of the charade. Why? Is it easier to sell the news when it paints us as patriotic by taking on petty dictators and lashing out with our armaments. Do your job NYT or you will be complicit in another WMD scam that hurts the nation and the world.
3
You got to hope this is not a soap opera designed to distract us from the real one. Lather me up, Vlad! Doesn't anyone own an eye patch? Arrgh!
3
Trump's changes of course (and coarse) should mystify nobody who recognizes that this fellow has no idea of what he's doing -- and doing to us and our USA.
6
trump is making a mockery of what little thats left of the usa that made it a decent place to live
as life in america gets harder and meaner, fewer people will want to go live there
so he is following up on his promise to limit immigration
3
Putin plays chess, Trump plays checkers. Putin is calculated and geopolitical. Trump is impulsive and limited. ISIS, Russia, Iran, Syria, North Korea and we have a man-child, in way over his head, wafting cruise missles when his little daughter-wife Ivanka tears up. This is more than frightening.
15
checkers are too confusing for trump
4
For Putin and Trump this lovers' spat is a Win Win. Putin requires an external enemy to distract Russian citizens from the looting and general decline of their country under Vlad and his gang of oligarchs. Like the ones who bailed out Trump with hundreds of million in laundered cash.
Donald requires an appearance of toughness to counter-act his oft stated fondness for Putin. Rex, with his history of ignoring Obama sanctions against Russia during an invasion of Ukraine that Donald missed, is said to be delivering stern words to Vlad. Really? To what end? They've all got their cash and laundered billions in place. The rest is a dumb show for the uninformed.
Donald requires an appearance of toughness to counter-act his oft stated fondness for Putin. Rex, with his history of ignoring Obama sanctions against Russia during an invasion of Ukraine that Donald missed, is said to be delivering stern words to Vlad. Really? To what end? They've all got their cash and laundered billions in place. The rest is a dumb show for the uninformed.
12
I don't understand why anyone's head would be spinning. It's pretty obvious his buddy Putin has directed him to act in a more adversarial manner to put people of the "scent". Trump isn't smart enough to have come up w/ that "genius" plan on his own, but he's sure "genius" in pulling it off where no one is the wiser. / sarcasm I wish people would put trying to make sense of him. People overthink Trump. He's really not that deep.
12
This has Putin's fingerprints all over it- as an ex-KGB Colonel.
A single chemical weapons attack on women and children in an inconsequential battle so Trump can be the hero. Trump could respond and show his humanity and strength. The story is almost too perfect.
Why would Assad use chemical weapons so late in the game? He had nothing to gain by killing 90 people, half of them women and children. Additionally all of the chemical weapons had been removed from the country. Where did Assad get such a valuable chemical weapon and then use it in this non-consequential theater? Critical reasoning demands further investigation.
A single chemical weapons attack on women and children in an inconsequential battle so Trump can be the hero. Trump could respond and show his humanity and strength. The story is almost too perfect.
Why would Assad use chemical weapons so late in the game? He had nothing to gain by killing 90 people, half of them women and children. Additionally all of the chemical weapons had been removed from the country. Where did Assad get such a valuable chemical weapon and then use it in this non-consequential theater? Critical reasoning demands further investigation.
10
If I were you, I would stay off the spy novels for a while.
1
"Clowns to the left of me...Jokers to the right"...here we are....really stuck.
9
Appropriately, by the group Stealer's Wheel.
3
I sense Putin releasing a video starring Trump soon - one which could set records for YouTube views. Possibly 1 billion in the first week.
Chris McKay would be jealous.
Chris McKay would be jealous.
2
This is all theater in the vein of all of Trump's other efforts to divert attention from his embarrassments and missteps.
> His campaign is caught collaborating with Russian Intelligence;
> Trump and his SecSate essentially state that Assad is off the radar, giving him carte blanch to do as he pleases (and pleasing Putin);
> Assad then does as he pleases via chemical weapons, which is caught on camera, embarrassing Trump (which is hard to do);
> While he hasn't shown any interest in Syrian refugees or other Assad atrocities, suddenly Trump is transformed into someone shocked by such crimes;
> Cue $50m of cruise missiles, but only after telling the Russians in advance of the strike (who tell the Syrians in advance as well);
> Cue righteous indignation, costume -perfect protests from Moscow and more smoke to hide the real problems Trump faces.
All of that reality TV experience has paid off!
> His campaign is caught collaborating with Russian Intelligence;
> Trump and his SecSate essentially state that Assad is off the radar, giving him carte blanch to do as he pleases (and pleasing Putin);
> Assad then does as he pleases via chemical weapons, which is caught on camera, embarrassing Trump (which is hard to do);
> While he hasn't shown any interest in Syrian refugees or other Assad atrocities, suddenly Trump is transformed into someone shocked by such crimes;
> Cue $50m of cruise missiles, but only after telling the Russians in advance of the strike (who tell the Syrians in advance as well);
> Cue righteous indignation, costume -perfect protests from Moscow and more smoke to hide the real problems Trump faces.
All of that reality TV experience has paid off!
This is hilarious. Trump didn't shift. The main stream media's perception of Trump's relationship with Russia, lead by the NYT, shifted!
5
Did you follow Trump's FOX interview word for word at the WaPo? I am so baby shaken I think I need a MRI.
Aha, so now Trump is making world impacting decision based on his children moods and feelings? People of America, what have you done!
5
There really is no point in voting anymore.
You vote for one candidate based on what they say they will do, or won't do, and they do the opposite once they are ensconced.
Maybe whoever gets elected is merely window-dressing for the real power behind the throne - or presidency: It has clearly been defined as the military-industrial-legislative complex - a complex that thrives on unending war and civil unrest.
Peace is anathema. It makes the complex very uneasy. It's functionaries don't know what to do with themselves.
You vote for one candidate based on what they say they will do, or won't do, and they do the opposite once they are ensconced.
Maybe whoever gets elected is merely window-dressing for the real power behind the throne - or presidency: It has clearly been defined as the military-industrial-legislative complex - a complex that thrives on unending war and civil unrest.
Peace is anathema. It makes the complex very uneasy. It's functionaries don't know what to do with themselves.
4
There never was, really. New Yorkers have only 1/33 of the influence in the Senate, per capita, as the citizens of Dick Cheney's home state of Wyoming.
1
Respectfully, our influence is nil, due to the people we are forced to choose between to elect to the Senate. They are beholden to the same pressures from the same corporate complex.
You are assuming that the Senators we elect in New York represent a truly divergent opinion from those of States like Wyoming. If they are all bought and paid for by the same mega-corporations, the boundary lines between States doesn't really amount to much.
Watching the way Senators lined up behind Bush's folly, including our then Senator Clinton, the absurdity of all of this is too glaring.
Orwell really had it right.
You are assuming that the Senators we elect in New York represent a truly divergent opinion from those of States like Wyoming. If they are all bought and paid for by the same mega-corporations, the boundary lines between States doesn't really amount to much.
Watching the way Senators lined up behind Bush's folly, including our then Senator Clinton, the absurdity of all of this is too glaring.
Orwell really had it right.
Im afraid you are right. It seems to have been a choice between Clinton`s Goldman Sachs people and Trump`s Goldman Sachs people, with some media clowns thrown in.
1
This is Trump and Putin doing their World Wide Wrestling schtick. Do not be fooled. Trump is still a Russian tool, and the objective is war with Iran with plausible deniability on the part of Russia as Trump's controller, because like other comments starting to filter in I believe war between the U.S. and Iran with Russia benefiting has been the objective all along!
5
What next? Captain Lou Albano as head of the Joint Chiefs of Staff?
Unpredictability, misrepresentation, misdirection, and lies--does President Trump, at home or abroad, retain the least shred of credibility and decency?
Fool me once, shame on you! Fool me twice, shame on me! Shamelessly spout transparent falsehoods--lose all credibility and respect!
For the foreseeable future, the U.S. and the world are saddled with a disreputable "Little President Who Cries 'Wolf!'"--with a president whose shamelessness and incompetence are increasingly evident.
Fool me once, shame on you! Fool me twice, shame on me! Shamelessly spout transparent falsehoods--lose all credibility and respect!
For the foreseeable future, the U.S. and the world are saddled with a disreputable "Little President Who Cries 'Wolf!'"--with a president whose shamelessness and incompetence are increasingly evident.
2
Mentally ill people often display behaviors that leave heads spinning. Lyin' Donald certainly has significant mental health issues and to the degree many if not most mental health experts would classify him as having at least one diagnosable severe mental illness: Narcissistic Personality Disorder. His erratic behavior is also a warning sign of early onset dementia. Congress should pass a resolution of concern, requesting Lyin' Donald to undergo a forensic mental evaluation with neuropsychological testing for dementia. This guy, after all, has the keys to nuclear weapsons.
8
When you have no policy except to make yourself look great, you do what you think your base will like at the moment. If it turns out you are wrong, you pick someone to blame and move on.
5
Thank God for Trump. We pray for him everyday to stay strong against the neocons, the elitists, the plutocrats and the deep state. The middle class have suffered for generations while the elites and Wall Street get rich Obama was an unmitigated disaster for the middle class. Trump is a once in a lifetime gift from God and it is truly a miracle that he won! If Trump does nothing else, I will sum up my appreciation in two words - Neil Gorsuch! Thank you for saving The Bill of Rights!
4
I didn't realize that marijuana was legal in Iowa until I read your post. Have another hit and tell us how fantastic Scott Pruitt will make the Great Plains aquifer.
Can you say "D-E-F-L-E-C-T-I-O-N? Trump and Putin can. Wake up, Trump supporters!
2
It's a deflection.
3
Trump will cash in beautiful on the big fake news of his supposed ties with Russia. It will completely discredit the media who bet on those non-existent ties.
Trump may have zero experience in foreign affairs, just as Obama by the way, but has learned faster than Obama that a Russia reset wouldn't work. Congrats to Trump.
Trump may have zero experience in foreign affairs, just as Obama by the way, but has learned faster than Obama that a Russia reset wouldn't work. Congrats to Trump.
1
Peter Baker ought to know better than to use the word “ultimatums” in this article as in "...he (Trump) issued uglymatums to Putin." For two reasons. First, because because there's no such word. An “ultimatum” , singular, means the last of something, usually a demand or command of some kind, and there can't be more than one “last” of anything. It would be like saying “The Last(s) of the Mohicans”.
Second, even in the singular t it's the wrong word In diplomatic jargon it means “No more negotiations; do what I demand or it's war.” Hitler, for example, issued an ultimatum to Poland just before he invaded it in 1939. I know that our relations with Russia are rather chilly right now but I don't think Secretary Tilleson told Putin “Dump Assad or it's war>” I hope not anyway because, unfortunately, he's not going to.
Second, even in the singular t it's the wrong word In diplomatic jargon it means “No more negotiations; do what I demand or it's war.” Hitler, for example, issued an ultimatum to Poland just before he invaded it in 1939. I know that our relations with Russia are rather chilly right now but I don't think Secretary Tilleson told Putin “Dump Assad or it's war>” I hope not anyway because, unfortunately, he's not going to.
2
As a country, we show respect to the office of the President, regardless of its inhabitant.
In the case of Eric Trump, no such respect has been earned or is imputed. Which why I say: He should sit down and shut up.
In the case of Eric Trump, no such respect has been earned or is imputed. Which why I say: He should sit down and shut up.
2
It doesn't really matter who the president in USA is and what his idea are. Anyone who gets the WH eventually caves in to a neo con government system and its sick ideology. So that bombs will continue to fly and lies will continue to follow regardless.
2
It is amazing how you take this demagogue Trump seriously with this headline.
Tomorrow, Trump and Putin may be tweeting to each other how great they are.
Putin knows Trump is a ego maniac and will do anything to curry favor with him to control America's foreign policy including gassing women and children in Syria to make Trump look strong after he cream puff bombs a Syrian base after giving everybody warning.
Tomorrow, Trump and Putin may be tweeting to each other how great they are.
Putin knows Trump is a ego maniac and will do anything to curry favor with him to control America's foreign policy including gassing women and children in Syria to make Trump look strong after he cream puff bombs a Syrian base after giving everybody warning.
1
"Proves no Russian ties"? Really Eric Trump? Putin is the same as he was. Assad hasn't changed. And yet your father was supportive of the Russian and saying he wasn't interested in deposing his client, Assad.
Actually for anyone who's paying attention, Daddy's abrupt turn-about, bombing without significant damage to Assad and after issuing warnings to Putin, proves the opposite. The ties between the Trump family are definitely there, they are strong and the investigations may be getting too close.
Release the tax returns! Until he does, no one knows what the Trump's are hiding.
Actually for anyone who's paying attention, Daddy's abrupt turn-about, bombing without significant damage to Assad and after issuing warnings to Putin, proves the opposite. The ties between the Trump family are definitely there, they are strong and the investigations may be getting too close.
Release the tax returns! Until he does, no one knows what the Trump's are hiding.
3
Firing of 59 Tomahawk Cruise Missiles was an act of "political chaff" by Trump to divert attention away from the ongoing FBI and Congressional investigations, as well as deeper digging by the Press, into the relationship between Trump campaign staffers (leading all the way up the chain to Trump) and Russian operatives and criminal syndicates in the 2016 election.
It's abundantly obvious Trump's team doesn't have a plan and a strategic objective in mind. (Given the fact Trump's White House can't organize the Easter egg hunt, they surely can't be thought to do some so much more sophisticated and requiring multiple interlocking pieces of policy. Heck, they can't even get their messaging correct across Cabinet people!) Thus Americans will see Trump toss balloons to see which story "sticks" or which false scent diverts the investigation into Trump and relationship with Russian operatives over past 2 years (and beyond).
Keep your eye on relationships between Trump's team and Russian operatives in 2016. It's all political chaff - including use of US military assets to spin a tough guy, compassionate (recall comments about Syrian refugees and children based on 2015-16 campaign statements) humanitarian.
Trump is a megalomaniac and narcissist who prides himself on "Deal Maker" and will take in all information (regardless of source, future entanglements, financial and otherwise) to gain any advantage to do a "Deal". Donald Trump has secrets in his closet - keeping digging NY Times.
It's abundantly obvious Trump's team doesn't have a plan and a strategic objective in mind. (Given the fact Trump's White House can't organize the Easter egg hunt, they surely can't be thought to do some so much more sophisticated and requiring multiple interlocking pieces of policy. Heck, they can't even get their messaging correct across Cabinet people!) Thus Americans will see Trump toss balloons to see which story "sticks" or which false scent diverts the investigation into Trump and relationship with Russian operatives over past 2 years (and beyond).
Keep your eye on relationships between Trump's team and Russian operatives in 2016. It's all political chaff - including use of US military assets to spin a tough guy, compassionate (recall comments about Syrian refugees and children based on 2015-16 campaign statements) humanitarian.
Trump is a megalomaniac and narcissist who prides himself on "Deal Maker" and will take in all information (regardless of source, future entanglements, financial and otherwise) to gain any advantage to do a "Deal". Donald Trump has secrets in his closet - keeping digging NY Times.
trump is the one w the spinning head
round and round it goes, where it stops nobody knows
Reporter Baker...you're the one who got 'whiplashed' with all due respect.
Tired of having the press sidetrack what is really going on...however naively.
We're stuck with Trump in some part because of the strings this menace, Trump pulled on a frankly distracted and self-interested media at the expense of their readers/viewers.
Tired of having the press sidetrack what is really going on...however naively.
We're stuck with Trump in some part because of the strings this menace, Trump pulled on a frankly distracted and self-interested media at the expense of their readers/viewers.
2
To paraphrase John Cleese, "If you're completely stupid, you have no means of knowing it". With these people running the show, We The People cannot have any idea how much trouble we're in.
3
I kind of can’t figure out why a country such as Russia wouldn’t take the opportunity of our catastrophic political disarray and divisively malcontented population to attack us. From my perspective, there is such largescale manifest disgust for Mr. Trump, there is no way such a divided citizenry would rally behind him. Subsequent to an invasion from a foreign adversary, we’d break off into factions and fight a ‘civil’ war amongst ourselves (which is a goal for which the alt-right have been praying and preparing anyway). You don’t think they’ve been snatching up and stockpiling weapons and ammo to shoot clay pigeons, do you?
I have to conclude, Russia’s (or even China’s) calculation must be, why interfere and waste their own arrows, when the United States is doing such an impressive job of imploding of our own devices.
And for those in the anti-abortion crowd for whom embryonic life and sexual control of women was so much more important than any other human consideration that they’d vote for the likes of Donald Trump, et al., my cold comfort is you’ll be going down, too. If you found legal informed medical abortion so distasteful and violent, you haven’t seen anything yet. Wait until your neighbor makes a land grab for your 30-year mortgaged house with dishes in the sink and your mangy mutt chained out back. You may find your cache of bullets doesn’t reach quite as far as you’d thought it would.
See you on the other side.
I have to conclude, Russia’s (or even China’s) calculation must be, why interfere and waste their own arrows, when the United States is doing such an impressive job of imploding of our own devices.
And for those in the anti-abortion crowd for whom embryonic life and sexual control of women was so much more important than any other human consideration that they’d vote for the likes of Donald Trump, et al., my cold comfort is you’ll be going down, too. If you found legal informed medical abortion so distasteful and violent, you haven’t seen anything yet. Wait until your neighbor makes a land grab for your 30-year mortgaged house with dishes in the sink and your mangy mutt chained out back. You may find your cache of bullets doesn’t reach quite as far as you’d thought it would.
See you on the other side.
Trump hears the footsteps coming faster behind him as the Russia story continues to roll. More is being revealed each week. Dots are slowly getting connected so the full story spectrum will soon be known.
Trump pivots once again. Spicer creates controversy with stupidity.
This is a show worth keeping an eye on. You can't make this stuff up.
Chocolate cake at Mar Al Lago while missiles head towards Syria.
Putin is laughing. Useful idiots are all aligned and in check.
Eric Trump proves once again that genetics is a wonderful science and nepotism an equalizer.
Nunes is revealed once again as another fool in the game.
None of this is normal but you just have to laugh, and wait for the next turn.
Trump pivots once again. Spicer creates controversy with stupidity.
This is a show worth keeping an eye on. You can't make this stuff up.
Chocolate cake at Mar Al Lago while missiles head towards Syria.
Putin is laughing. Useful idiots are all aligned and in check.
Eric Trump proves once again that genetics is a wonderful science and nepotism an equalizer.
Nunes is revealed once again as another fool in the game.
None of this is normal but you just have to laugh, and wait for the next turn.
1
The interesting but overlooked part of this story is Hillary's statement, a few hours before the bombing of Syria, suggesting that Trump should bomb Syrian airfields. Was this merely a cooincidence, or did someone leak the plan to her? Or did her statement influence Trump? In any case it confirmed my utter disdain for her judgment. I always said she was the candidate more likely to get us into a war.
1
So she wasn't the "candidate more likely" and no more worthy of disdain than the current resident of the Oval office.
1
She has always been in for blowing up Syrian air defenses, particularly when they kill their own civilians with it.
The media falls for every "flash-bang" that the trump gang sets off, straying from the real story of how Russia influenced our election, and if that election is, in fact, legitimate.
Since trump is a pathological liar (one who believes his own lies), what he says about Putin is neither here nor there--and no significance should be attached to his mutterings.
There is credible evidence that Russia knew that Assad was going to bomb what was thought to be a weapons storage facility of the opposition, but turned out to contain weapon grade chemicals-so there was no intent, supposedly, on the part of Assad to gas his own people. We don't know for sure what happened, and to have our president ignorantly mouthing off about events that he has misunderstood humiliates the entire country.
Since trump is a pathological liar (one who believes his own lies), what he says about Putin is neither here nor there--and no significance should be attached to his mutterings.
There is credible evidence that Russia knew that Assad was going to bomb what was thought to be a weapons storage facility of the opposition, but turned out to contain weapon grade chemicals-so there was no intent, supposedly, on the part of Assad to gas his own people. We don't know for sure what happened, and to have our president ignorantly mouthing off about events that he has misunderstood humiliates the entire country.
6
Why is this a surprise? I think we all know that Trump's knowledge of international affairs is almost non-existent. As a result he has no real policy positions and can do nothing ore than react on a visceral level. But t his has been the unifying theme of the entire Trump presidency to date on almost every substantive policy issue and I doubt it will change.
2
President Trump is not a typical politician. Not democrat or republican. We really have no idea what he's thinking regarding North Korea and Syria. This is who Americans voted for. We need to all hope the Generals will steer him in the right direction.
I don't believe this about face by Trump for one moment. The investigation into his campaign's ties to Russia was impeding his ability to make his deals with Putin. Now he can publicly denigrate Putin while his Secretary of State can meet with Putin in private and go forward with their own personal agenda.
4
Trump is so stupid he picking fights with his blackmailer.
3
Trump's "shift" is no more than an attempt to distract from the growing investigations around his collusion with Putin to hack the 2016 election. Don't be fooled, there is no new tension, no new strategy, no new policy. There is only a ruse, a smokescreen, a bit of Kibuki theater.
Trump is guilty, needs to be impeached, may end up in jail.
Trump is guilty, needs to be impeached, may end up in jail.
2
I find it interesting that Trump took this action without even consulting with Congress or even the Armed Services or Foreign Relations committees. At best, the legal justification for this action is tenuous; it's hard to imagine how the US was in imminent danger of attack.
So why did he do it? Why didn't he at least consult? For one thing, it establishes a precedent: now if he mounts a serious attack, fewer will be able to question it. And he must have known that the response would be limited--a serious response from Russia could have created political havoc here and around the world. And, of course, there's internal (US) political consumption--a smokescreen for his relationship with Putin.
How could he have known that Russia would be so subdued in its response?
So why did he do it? Why didn't he at least consult? For one thing, it establishes a precedent: now if he mounts a serious attack, fewer will be able to question it. And he must have known that the response would be limited--a serious response from Russia could have created political havoc here and around the world. And, of course, there's internal (US) political consumption--a smokescreen for his relationship with Putin.
How could he have known that Russia would be so subdued in its response?
2
Don't be snookered. The change in Russian policy has nothing to do with Syria and all about distracting the public from the RUssian Trump collaboration to have Hillary's campaign members' emails and undermine American democracy.
4
I can't remember a single thing that Trump did after his installation that could be interpreted as pleasing Putin at the expense of US interests. Long before the Syria bombing he already appointed the rabid anti-Russian (and ignorant) Haley.
This is not American head spinning. A quarter of a century ago the POTUS's book demonstrated to us his facile mind and ability to thrive with chaos. The heads he started spinning can be found in four governments: Syria, Russia, Iran and Korea. Unpredictability is one of the keys to President Trump'7788thes actions, particularly militarily, where his recent Syrian strike, after eight years of inaction and failed negotiations, was widely hailed. This is a man with an iron will, who cannot be intimidated. History, I believe, will look approvingly upon him whatever has been or will be written here.
3
They are playing with national resources; their private ones are doing just fine. War is the agenda setter par excellence.. Every unpopular president needs one.
1
People give Trump far too much credit for forethought. He's impulsive and will not tolerate delays of gratification. It is obvious that if Trump has some connection to Russia and Putin its a financial one. The idea that Trump would tolerate playing second fiddle to any person is ridicules. The Syria situation in based on the fact that Trump has been hammered for incompetence and addiction to publicity stunt policy making. What better way to be taken seriously than join his tormentors at the NYTs with this scandalous rush to judgment. Putin is being excoriated daily in the West by wild conspiracy theories. The Syria attack by the US has morphed into one in which Russia is accused of pre planning the attack in order to shove off the increasing knowledge that Trump and the US did not even come close to performing due diligence before launching a strike that ended up killing more civilians. Next we'll see Trump start treating Putin like Marco Rubio or Jeb Bush.
1
I feel we're in the middle of a propaganda offensive, probably orchestrated by Bannon. Trump shows heartlessness in his health care plan and budget; so we're told he feels for the injured children of the Syrian attack. Aw. He still won't allow them into the U.S. as refugees. Then he changes his decades-long admiration for Russia like the flip of a switch. Eric Trump says, “If there was anything that Syria did, it was to validate the fact that there is no Russia tie.” Nothing like hitting people over the head to drive your point home. Hmmm.
This administration likes to point the finger at someone else as a distraction. They also project on others what they're guilty of themselves. So this administration is pointing the finger at Russia, and making the accusation of a cover up. Cover-up, you say?
This administration likes to point the finger at someone else as a distraction. They also project on others what they're guilty of themselves. So this administration is pointing the finger at Russia, and making the accusation of a cover up. Cover-up, you say?
6
We've been in the middle of a Russian propaganda offensive since they started pushing for Trump three years ago. The charade continues. . .
1
From: L. Lubinsky
Re: “If there was anything that Syria did, it was to validate the fact that there is no Russia tie,” said Eric Trump, the president’s son.
Donald Trump's current conflict with Putin and Russia is no such validation. It may be an indication of how unwise it is to do business with Trump. There is a long list of people who feel they were cheated by him. As he appears to have been in business, Trump may fall into the category of a politician who can be bought; he just can't stay bought.
Re: “If there was anything that Syria did, it was to validate the fact that there is no Russia tie,” said Eric Trump, the president’s son.
Donald Trump's current conflict with Putin and Russia is no such validation. It may be an indication of how unwise it is to do business with Trump. There is a long list of people who feel they were cheated by him. As he appears to have been in business, Trump may fall into the category of a politician who can be bought; he just can't stay bought.
1
Eric needs to run the business and tell his father to stop giving him errands to run like a fool. Had he kept his racket shut, I might not have heard him pointing to the prerogative.
1
Guys,
To any thinking person, this is Trump's Reichstag moment. Roger Cohen called this in February: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/10/opinion/preserving-the-sanctity-of-al...
Roger, how about a follow up?
Wake up, America! Journalists, get to work!
To any thinking person, this is Trump's Reichstag moment. Roger Cohen called this in February: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/10/opinion/preserving-the-sanctity-of-al...
Roger, how about a follow up?
Wake up, America! Journalists, get to work!
4
Editors:
Please keep investigating the Trump/Russia ties. Don't let this distract you.
I hope that Marine Le Pen and Geert Wilders will see that there is nothing to be gained by cozying up to Putin.
Please keep investigating the Trump/Russia ties. Don't let this distract you.
I hope that Marine Le Pen and Geert Wilders will see that there is nothing to be gained by cozying up to Putin.
3
I cannot figure out if Trump suffers from dementia, is spectacularly incompetent, is a museum-worthy jerk or is an idiot savant. No matter what the case may be, Obama was a far better President than this train wreck ever will be.
Why are the American people tolerating a freak show that trifles with serious matters of state? Any mainstream Republican would have looked Mt. Rushmore-ready when compared to Trump taking us on a surrealistic drive through crazy town.
Why are the American people tolerating a freak show that trifles with serious matters of state? Any mainstream Republican would have looked Mt. Rushmore-ready when compared to Trump taking us on a surrealistic drive through crazy town.
2
This this is all theatre. Because there has been no independent investigation we have absolutely no idea what the relationship between Trump and Russia might be. We have no idea what Putin's end game might be. Will Trump make "a deal" with Russia, lift the sanctions for the exchange of Russia handling Syria and Assad? Russia does what they were going to do anyway and gets the sanctions lifted and Trump looks like he made deals? Russia knew about the gas attack in advance. Putin is playing his Trump-puppet, Trump is playing the Anerican people, and we get no investigation. Pathetic.
4
Trump's Russia policy is head-spinning in large part because heads have been rolling as well. Trump arrived in the White House with no real policy on Russia except a vague positive opinion of an autocrat who feigned admiration of him, which led to many unwise statements on the campaign trail, and a retinue of advisers who had unsavory Russia connections. These advisers have been dropping off the Trump train with alarming rapidity as the FBI counterintelligence investigation of the Trump-Russia connection grows in size and speed. First to go were the real expendables, like erstwhile campaign director Paul Manafort, and class idiot Carter Page, who we now know had a FAISA warrant taken out on him for his connections with Russian intelligence officials. Later casualties included NSC Director Mike Flynn and his coterie of pro-Putin conspiracy theorists, minor players like Boris Epshteyn, and many others, and now we find that Trump adviser Steve Bannon, who supports cozying up to Putin, is also in the Trump dog house. Meanwhile, actual competent people in touch with reality are taking over. Defense Secretary Mattis and NSC head H.R. McMaster (and maybe someday Secretary of State Rex Tillerson) are steadily guiding Trump toward a more realistic policy on Russia. Trump himself still has no real knowledge of Russian affairs, and is likely to make several more head-spinning moves in the future, but at least he is acquiring better people to advise him.
1
Given Trump's propensity for duplicity, could it be that he used Putin just as he used so many others? Help me get elected and I will be your friend; until I don't need you any more or find a better way to achieve my own goals.
1
Really outrageous that at the same time we consider slashing Medicaid, we have $60+ million wasted on a useless military exercise.
I'm ashamed of this country.
I'm ashamed of this country.
As always the press is reading to much into this. Putin just bought himself a president, the president he bought has to at least act and look at least a little "presidential" to be of any value.
3
Most of the world doesn't buy the snake oil that Trump's base loves.
4
Putin, believing Trump to be his puppet, went one step too far. It was inevitable that Russia would wound 45's vulnerable ego.
Trump has no idea that internationally is regarded as a clown. At best he is treated as someone who is learning on the job and not to be taken seriously. Unfortunately if he is taken seriously by those that mean us harm, like NK, we could be in for big problems. Anyway, it is clear that Trump is not making us great again, he is showing the world our ugly side, that America is a big bully.
3
"Head spinning" is precisely how to label the S S Trump Titanic administration, adrift in a sea of perilous icebergs with a clueless and incurious captain at the helm who has absolutely no qualifications to be steering anything except his fragile ego.
The match up between our own "deer-in-the-headlights" Captain Bligh and the seasoned villainous Russian version is apparently more complicated to read than imagined. The mutual admiration bromance between Trump and Putin might even solidify as both strive to maintain their respective tough guy persona with aggressive posturing and veiled threats that ultimately don't force the other's hand into regrettable action.
Trump still has the specter of Russian involvement in the US presidential election with which to contend as the legitimacy of his win will continue to fuel his critics and possibly plant seeds of doubt among his ardent supporters. As long as he continues to obfuscate his financial ties to Russia by withholding his tax returns from public scrutiny, his credibility will continue to weaken among his base while energizing his critics. Congressional Republicans would surely love to postpone any investigations into Russian meddling in the US election and any possible collusion with the Trump campaign.
The match up between our own "deer-in-the-headlights" Captain Bligh and the seasoned villainous Russian version is apparently more complicated to read than imagined. The mutual admiration bromance between Trump and Putin might even solidify as both strive to maintain their respective tough guy persona with aggressive posturing and veiled threats that ultimately don't force the other's hand into regrettable action.
Trump still has the specter of Russian involvement in the US presidential election with which to contend as the legitimacy of his win will continue to fuel his critics and possibly plant seeds of doubt among his ardent supporters. As long as he continues to obfuscate his financial ties to Russia by withholding his tax returns from public scrutiny, his credibility will continue to weaken among his base while energizing his critics. Congressional Republicans would surely love to postpone any investigations into Russian meddling in the US election and any possible collusion with the Trump campaign.
3
It was because of the pictures of dead babies. Dead babies are horrible. Just horrible.
2
is it horrible even when trump orders it ?
A new investigation into the special forces raid targeting Al-Qaeda militants in Yemen has found the the operation went “dreadfully wrong,” killing nine children under the age of 13, with the youngest victim a three-month-old baby.
In the first military operation authorized under President Trump, U.S. commandos launched a raid on an Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula stronghold (AQAP) in the al-Bayda province, leaving at least 25 civilians dead, as well as a U.S. soldier.
2
Both Trump and Putin are masters of deception and there is plenty of evidence that Putin put in enormous effort to interfere with our election in order to get Trump elected. Putin did not want to have to face Hillary Clinton because he knew she would never allow him to steamroller Western Europe by weakening NATO. But Putin owns Trump, and by extension, owns the U.S. and all of us.
6
I find it hilarious that the US government would send the former president of a major oil company over to Russia to smooth things over with Putin. That doesn't look awkward, right? The meeting appears more like a business transaction than a discussion about Syria.
In which case, what's the long game here? Trump doesn't seem to have one. What are Putin's strategic priorities? Secure his flank in the Middle East. Marginalize and undermine NATO. Secure economic, political, and military stability favorable to Russia going forward. The last one includes China and the Arctic but I won't waste ink going down the rabbit hole.
There are many ways this could all play out but the result is going to be same: The United States is about to get taken to the cleaners.
In which case, what's the long game here? Trump doesn't seem to have one. What are Putin's strategic priorities? Secure his flank in the Middle East. Marginalize and undermine NATO. Secure economic, political, and military stability favorable to Russia going forward. The last one includes China and the Arctic but I won't waste ink going down the rabbit hole.
There are many ways this could all play out but the result is going to be same: The United States is about to get taken to the cleaners.
11
Everything that Trump does is a business transaction. I am sure that his marriage to Malania was a business transaction.
Trump's so called good deed to respond to Syrian gassing is being cited by his Twitterzens as evidence he will be a "great" President. It will never undo his lying, cheating, narcissistic and racist past. He still has the same itchy trigger fingers that he used to grope and otherwise belittle women. He belongs in the same padded cell with Kim Jung Un where they can duke it out without spreading mushroom clouds.
4
We are dealing with a Liar. This is a man who is out there to win it for himself, but not for us. His style is to criticize others, to blame, to put up smoke screens or attack. I wish the paper would start taking him to be the joke he is. This started with Birther nonsense and has never improved a wit.
If you want to see what a liar looks like, just focus on today. Trump tweeted "Great win in Kansas last night for Ron Estes, easily winning the Congressional race against the Dems, who spent heavily & predicted victory!". But, common sense shows that it wasn't easy, and the Dems did not spend heavily or predict a victory. He threatens Korea by Twitter too. What sort of fool plays these games?
So, none of us, the so-called elite, believe him. Now, we are left to figure out how to think about his postures and policies. We must factor in business relations, which are enmeshed in taxes, which are lost in another smoke screen. We need to calculate the meaning of multiple discussions between his campaign and Russians. We must interpret the multitude of brash criticisms of Obama and others, which are only the result of having no real policies, and amount to the whiplash you describe (we saw the same in the healthcare debate). And we question the intelligence coming from the CIA, because they blew it with Iraq in the past, and because the Trump's White House touched it.
There can be no trust.
If you want to see what a liar looks like, just focus on today. Trump tweeted "Great win in Kansas last night for Ron Estes, easily winning the Congressional race against the Dems, who spent heavily & predicted victory!". But, common sense shows that it wasn't easy, and the Dems did not spend heavily or predict a victory. He threatens Korea by Twitter too. What sort of fool plays these games?
So, none of us, the so-called elite, believe him. Now, we are left to figure out how to think about his postures and policies. We must factor in business relations, which are enmeshed in taxes, which are lost in another smoke screen. We need to calculate the meaning of multiple discussions between his campaign and Russians. We must interpret the multitude of brash criticisms of Obama and others, which are only the result of having no real policies, and amount to the whiplash you describe (we saw the same in the healthcare debate). And we question the intelligence coming from the CIA, because they blew it with Iraq in the past, and because the Trump's White House touched it.
There can be no trust.
5
Thomas Jefferson expressed his policies with a quill pen in hand. Our current President, who is incapable of either policy or language, prefers to grasp a Tomahawk Missile. The smaller the mind, the bigger the tool.
4
Root cause: The Electoral College. When are we as a nation going to come to our senses and start working on a constitutional amendment to rid ourselves of that terrible anachronism? HRC might not have been a great president, but at least we would have a president who knows something about foreign policy and even more important we would have a foreign policy. (Not to mention all the other issues on which Mr. Trump is clueless.)
4
Trump has lost any kind of consensus to lead. His inability to live in the real world and tell the truth leaves him bereft of potential unless there's work in a prison barber shop somewhere in our federal prison system. Tillerson's actions at the State department could not be anymore pro-Russia and pro-Putin than they are. He has crushed its effectiveness around the world, so we are without a fully functional diplomatic core. Putin must be thanking him and laughing at us.
Tillerson needs to go . . .
Tillerson needs to go . . .
3
So theatrical. Not a lovers quarrel as they'd like us to believe.
RUSSIA RUSSIA RUSSIA, Putin runs the WhiteHouse.
RUSSIA RUSSIA RUSSIA, Putin runs the WhiteHouse.
4
Show me the money. Politics and war aside how much more of the world economy will these Putin and Trump control. Is this real politics on the world stage? None of this is about making a better US or Russia. It is about building a bigger business organization using the Middle East as a pawn.
1
With Donald, it's all personal. His Russian connections are no different.
Maybe he's hoping that if he acts tough enough and drops lots of big bombs, his foreign debts will disappear.
Maybe he's hoping that if he acts tough enough and drops lots of big bombs, his foreign debts will disappear.
2
The best is that Putin has now picked up on all of the NYT/CNN talking points!
Per the excellent Sanger news story just posted, Putin talking points are:
1. US is "disorganized" and sends "mixed messages" on Syria, NoKor, etc.
2. Tillerson is an inexperienced novice.
3. The US "fabricated" the chemical attack as a "distraction".
So we have now come full circle. The only collusion is between the NYT/CNN/DNC cartel and Putin, re: shared talking points. You really cannot make this stuff up!
Per the excellent Sanger news story just posted, Putin talking points are:
1. US is "disorganized" and sends "mixed messages" on Syria, NoKor, etc.
2. Tillerson is an inexperienced novice.
3. The US "fabricated" the chemical attack as a "distraction".
So we have now come full circle. The only collusion is between the NYT/CNN/DNC cartel and Putin, re: shared talking points. You really cannot make this stuff up!
1
Well Joseph, you are right except for one of Putin's talking points #3 which should read, The US fabricated the Syrian attack as a distraction. The truth is the truth no matter who says it.
This is just the latest phase of the "Twit and Vlad horse and pony show."
For those easy to fool, this is the part wherein the "kissing cousins" pretend to be rivals...
Kinda like "Dallas on the Volga", folks!
For those easy to fool, this is the part wherein the "kissing cousins" pretend to be rivals...
Kinda like "Dallas on the Volga", folks!
1
I love reading the Times for comic relief. What ever Trump does, it's wrong. You might be happier under Putin or Asad. Why not move there? For such sophisticated people, you always have very simple answers.
5
If you can tell me what Trump has done that is right, I will stop laughing.
And, for a simple President like Trump there are no sophisticated answers
And, for a simple President like Trump there are no sophisticated answers
2
No need to move. They'll be coming here for an extended stay. Get the guest bedroom ready.
1
theater.
9
There is no point at all in trying to analyze Trump's moves. It's like trying to predict which toy a child will choose to play with next Last week he bombed Syria, this week it may be North Korea and next week Sweden.
7
What a great way to deflect the current Russia investigation. Let's see what happens when trump "solves" the problem.
6
Trump's son, Eric, said yesterday that the attack on a Syrian airbase proves that there was no collusion between his father's campaign and Russia. No, it doesn't and I can't believe he was dumb enough to say such a thing. His comments just create more suspicion that the attack was carried out with the deliberate purpose of absolving the Trump campaign from charges of Russian collusion.
14
Maybe Ivanka should try getting "heartbroken and outraged" about a few other things.
12
All of Donald Trump's actions, words, and deeds are designed with the sole objective of making Donald Trump look smart, strong, and rich. No other factors matter. With this in mind, it is never hard to understand his behavior. If one looks for any other philosophy or doctrinal beliefs, one will be left reeling in confusion.
3
Trump has turned the planet into aa Alice In Wonderland rabbit hole.
4
My first thought about all this (and it is likely a conspiracy theory of my own!) was "What if this is all staged? What if it is a way to make Trump look better here, at home, in order to improve his ratings and distract from the buddy-buddy and investigations with Putin?"
This is perhaps not likely, but it would explain the 'whiplash'.
This is perhaps not likely, but it would explain the 'whiplash'.
5
When one of his other nefarious actions threatens to come to light, will Trump suddenly realize how horrifically oppressed the people of North Korea are?
Will his kiddies and his son-in-law advise bombing North Korea as a distraction?
Will his kiddies and his son-in-law advise bombing North Korea as a distraction?
5
This about-face is easily explained as an attempt to show that there´s no Russia connection. Reading the comments below it seems that no one is falling for it.
2
either this is all theatre or Putin is salivating.... he's got trump playing HIS game on HIS turf in HIS arena....
eventually, trump's ignorance, which he promotes as 'decisiveness' and 'elusiveness', will be revealed as the sham it and he is.... and we and the world may pay a very heavy price....
Putin is winning.... and soon North Korea will be winning.... and China....
We look stupid to everyone who isn't stupid...
eventually, trump's ignorance, which he promotes as 'decisiveness' and 'elusiveness', will be revealed as the sham it and he is.... and we and the world may pay a very heavy price....
Putin is winning.... and soon North Korea will be winning.... and China....
We look stupid to everyone who isn't stupid...
3
There is no policy...just careening about and bouncing
off walls. "Oh, let's do this. No, let's do that. Okay".
off walls. "Oh, let's do this. No, let's do that. Okay".
2
The whole "pivot" smells very fishy. Let's wait to see what actually happens. We do not know the true motives of these parties -- all of whom are untrustworthy.
Trump is a coward, plain and simple. He grew up privileged and protected by his father and learned to never take responsibility for his actions or admit mistakes. It's no surprise that he's letting others criticize Putin, just as it's no surprise that when he's criticized he blames others. Coward!!
2
So Putin is playing along to save our Fake President's hide.
This is nothing but a sophomoric charade.
This is nothing but a sophomoric charade.
5
You folks have got to know that Putin is aproduct of Soviet Marxist indoctrination and a former agent of the KGB He is ruthless and will do anything and everything to destroy the United states including and dplomatic contacts with Donald Trump
1
Get used to political whiplash - the ride has only just begun.
1
Fake News Incorporated now in control in both USA and Russia official information outlets.
Communism comes back from the dead to win.
Thank you, Fox News.
Communism comes back from the dead to win.
Thank you, Fox News.
4
Trump: all hat, no cattle.
3
Everyone pay attention; you're witnessing a sea-change in America's relations with China and Russia. China, whose recent approach to America consisted of making President Obama deplane from Air Force One through the back door is now warning North Korea to curb its nuclear ambitions, exactly as Trump asked them to do. Talk about geopolitical whiplash! Now Putin decides to meet with Tillerson after all. We'll see what comes of that, but if I were Assad I'd be packing my bags.
3
Could it Be, Just Possibly, All a Ruse?
2
At one time, problems we had revolved around our national interests. Today, national interests take second place to tRump's needs, his quirks (which may be ineptitude after all) and burnishing his - and his family's - brand.
The only way tRump can clear the air is if he is honest. Show us your tax returns, speak up, instead of keeping quiet during crises and acting enigmatically. Secrecy is tRumps modus operandi, showing himself an enigma; one thing that is not enigmatic is that he turned our government into a cesspool of depravity and botched much of what he tried to do since his election.
I can see him now, in the oval office being lectured to by his "advisers," his family, trying to get him to look presidential, making sure he doesn't put his foot in his mouth again. Is this why he is so quiet often times?
This isn't the "Art of the Deal," I'm afraid this is the art of the steal, folks, and we're his chumps. What about the American people? Hello, is anyone interested, or is keeping tRump and his overstuffed ego happy our national interest?
The only way tRump can clear the air is if he is honest. Show us your tax returns, speak up, instead of keeping quiet during crises and acting enigmatically. Secrecy is tRumps modus operandi, showing himself an enigma; one thing that is not enigmatic is that he turned our government into a cesspool of depravity and botched much of what he tried to do since his election.
I can see him now, in the oval office being lectured to by his "advisers," his family, trying to get him to look presidential, making sure he doesn't put his foot in his mouth again. Is this why he is so quiet often times?
This isn't the "Art of the Deal," I'm afraid this is the art of the steal, folks, and we're his chumps. What about the American people? Hello, is anyone interested, or is keeping tRump and his overstuffed ego happy our national interest?
Please tell us the media isn't falling for Trump's rope-a-dope gambit again. Our Scarecrow reads an almost coherent speech to congress and suddenly he's a statesman with a brain. The Tin man claims to have found a heart and feels the pain of Syrians gassed by Assad, just days after 200 killed by a U.S. air strike go unnoticed. Are we also to believe that Trump is no longer a cowardly lion and has found his Presidential courage? Right, and zebras have spots and Putin wears a halo.
2
Bob and weave, deflect and lie, lie some more, double down on the lies, bluster, redirect. Sorry, Trump, but we can see through it all. All of a sudden getting tough on Putin is nothing more than a means to deflect attention from the fact that the Russia connection investigations are closing in. And anyone who thinks Trump has a plan or a policy on anything is fooling themselves; it's all seat-of-the-pants flying, depending on the whim of the moment or who he talked to last (Ivanka, anyone?).
2
What I want to know is what is plan B?
On Syria, Trump huffed and puffed and blamed his usual scapegoat Obama and then squirted 59 missiles after fair warning to his buddy Putin.
1
exactly what does america want out of our relationships with the rest of humanity?
do we even know what we want?
do we even know what we want?
Speaking of heads, does anyone think that Don-o has requested to have his head carved into Mount Rushmore? That seems like a goal he would really like to achieve!
Whether it is change of heart from DL, I will leave it to history book. But one thing did make it very clear in this situation, that is, somebody, assumable very successful in business, doesn't necessary make him or her a good commander-in-chief. Doing business and being unpredictable is one thing. Break a deal or even file bankruptcy is one thing. Sending missiles to blow something or someone up, or placing soldiers in harm's way are totally different things. This is something can't measured in money, and this is something a business man or woman would need to understand FAST when he or she is a commander-in-chief.
1
Our future in Syria is ISIS and other groups and the dream of continuous 100 year war in the Middle East -- Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Afaganistan, Libya -- way to go guys. More spending for our dear friends in the Military Industrial Complex.
The beauty of this is that it pits neighbor against neighbor and destabilizes and entire region that if the could stop fighting could be a great place to live.
The beauty of this is that it pits neighbor against neighbor and destabilizes and entire region that if the could stop fighting could be a great place to live.
Trump shouldn't let his grown-up children have an influence on state affairs. That he decided to retaliate against Assad's chemical attack because his daughter was so upset about suffering children, didn't make a good impression on his competence as commander-in-chief.
Eric Trump sought to convince the public that "there is no Russia tie". The Americans want to learn the truth from impartial bodies.
Rex Tillerson was denied a meeting with Putin on his first visit - an affront for Trump's missile strike - raised eyebrows because it was the first time that a SoS been snubbed by Russians since Cordell Hull in the 1940s. This is still not convincing enough to prove that Trump's team hadn't colluded with Russia.
Eric Trump sought to convince the public that "there is no Russia tie". The Americans want to learn the truth from impartial bodies.
Rex Tillerson was denied a meeting with Putin on his first visit - an affront for Trump's missile strike - raised eyebrows because it was the first time that a SoS been snubbed by Russians since Cordell Hull in the 1940s. This is still not convincing enough to prove that Trump's team hadn't colluded with Russia.
2
Tillerson did finally meet Putin, but was kept waiting for several hours. This is typical of Putin - he loves to keep world leaders waiting.
Oh my, Putin kept Tillerson waiting? He must be really, really mad.
Next time he'll be asking for that Russian Order of Friendship medal back! (How stupid do they think we are?)
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2016/12/13/what-is-the...
Next time he'll be asking for that Russian Order of Friendship medal back! (How stupid do they think we are?)
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2016/12/13/what-is-the...
11
So, if it were a 'play' it could go like this:
Putin: I'm going to say I don't like all this tough attitude, OK?
Trumpov: Oh, I got it, and I'll play along.
Putin: Yes, I'm going to say things are worse now than last presidency, but don't worry, I'll keep the secret file on you safe.
Trumpv: That's a relief! I'll let you know when I bomb another empty airbase.
Putin: All good.
Putin: I'm going to say I don't like all this tough attitude, OK?
Trumpov: Oh, I got it, and I'll play along.
Putin: Yes, I'm going to say things are worse now than last presidency, but don't worry, I'll keep the secret file on you safe.
Trumpv: That's a relief! I'll let you know when I bomb another empty airbase.
Putin: All good.
20
I wonder if Trump is considering bombing Russia for keeping his boy Tillerson waiting?
6
Clearly, our president has no policy - only reaction to whatever is the latest event. Deflection? Panic? A hot idea from the latest Fox show? Who knows. All we can tell is that it is disastrous for our country.
13
Just watching again "Our Kind of Traitor," the great and prescient John le Carre, and substituting in my mind the Trump campaign team for the British MI6. It as usual is all about money, and the Russians have plenty of it. There is no ideology, even among the Russians. It is the strong preying on the weak. Sociopaths all. And now they have the White House. We cannot be distracted by obvious distractions.
10
Disinformation on a grand scale. Trump couldn't give a flying fig about Syrian children or he's let them into the Untied States. He warns the Russians, they get their people out, sends some cruise missiles, looks decisive, takes the moral high ground, very presidential. Wouldn't be surprised if Putin probably arranged the whole thing to get Trump off the hook for his treasonous collusion during the election. The old KGB hand sure knows his stuff. Now Tillerson is over there talking tough for the cameras while arranging for his pipeline deal once they lift the sanctions after a decent interval. Of course the media, including the Times, buys it hook line and sinker, but then again there's sucker born every minute and nobody has ever gone broke underestimating the intelligence of the American people.
20
So much for the "Party of Compassion". So, Donald Trump takes action to stop sirin gas attacks on civilians, and the Left has a tizzy-fit - as they always WILL. Had Obama taken the same action - which 2 days ago his former advisors said "would have been BIGGER" - you'd be shouting his praises. The "Party of Compassion" is only "compassionate" when it promotes their ideology.
The answer is there in the son's comment: this is more stagecraft designed to shift our attention away from Trump's alignment with Putin. I believe this extreme and reckless gambit only tells how desperately the Trump camp wants to tamp down the investigation into his affairs with Russia, and where it is leading.
30
The old concept of not getting involved in internal wars is outdated and perhaps the time has come for the US to find a way to solve the Syria issues. So-far Europe is a mess in terms of absorbing some one million Syrian refugees, the UK no longer wants to be part of the EU and went into hiding, the US has become stricter by the day to block Muslim refugees and immigrants to enter. This is far from over. The Syrian crisis is no longer an internal matter but rather a massive bomb close to explosion impacting on everything. Is Russia part of it all, do they want that to happen. Serious questions for the Trump powers to consider. Meanwhile we have North Korea, also a small country but reaching way beyond the Pacific. Remember WW2 - also a rapidly spreading cancer.
2
"The old concept of not getting involved in internal wars is outdated and perhaps the time has come for the US to find a way to solve the Syria issues."
That old policy was right.
We should not have gotten involved in regime change in the first place, and we would not have this mess.
Now we should get out and stay out. Stop running an insurgency meant to do regime change. We lost control of our insurgency, and now it is a worse enemy to us than the regime we sought to change.
That old policy was right.
We should not have gotten involved in regime change in the first place, and we would not have this mess.
Now we should get out and stay out. Stop running an insurgency meant to do regime change. We lost control of our insurgency, and now it is a worse enemy to us than the regime we sought to change.
3
Why all the Shock and Surprise at anything "Trump does"? Why is there some expectation he will change his M.O.? I would just rather read an analysis of the consequences ( to us all) rather than slap a ridiculous headline about ANYONE being surprised.
5
Based on its past history, the fact that Russia is covering up Assad's use of chemical weapons should not be any revelation. The international community should be more focused on Russia's involvement in planning and assisting Assad in carrying out those attacks, and whether or not Russia helped Assad hide those chemical weapons from international inspectors when Russia declared all of the chemical weapons had been destroyed.
1
That's pretty much what Nikki Haley said.
Don't lose focus people -- the Trump regime still has a number of connections to Russia and there is credible evidence that Russia influenced the election to favor Trump. Stay on that and don't be deterred by this misdirection. I'm loathe to be too cynical but I would not give any of these men a pass on using innocent people as collateral damage in their partnership to undermine democracy.
13
"There is a Russian connection here. ... The fact that Trump has said nothing himself is a big red flag."
This commenter insists it's a "big red flag" when Trump says nothing, and many other commenters say it's a "big red flag" when he does.
Maybe Trump should say something, but very quietly, or only when he's taking a shower and nobody else is in the bathroom with him. That way, Trump could tell people he said something but not tell them what it was -- no "big red flag" there!
This commenter insists it's a "big red flag" when Trump says nothing, and many other commenters say it's a "big red flag" when he does.
Maybe Trump should say something, but very quietly, or only when he's taking a shower and nobody else is in the bathroom with him. That way, Trump could tell people he said something but not tell them what it was -- no "big red flag" there!
1
Keep The heat on, I want to see trumps tax returns.
13
It's sad to see someone stuck in the past like this. Still got that "I'm with her" bumper sticker on your Prius?
No policy. No process. No staff (mostly). No future.
The situation in DC is beyond scary. Congress long ago abdicated responsibility for just about anything real. Now, we have a "the buck stops where?" president.
Head for the hills and hope that you're far from where the bombs fall.
The situation in DC is beyond scary. Congress long ago abdicated responsibility for just about anything real. Now, we have a "the buck stops where?" president.
Head for the hills and hope that you're far from where the bombs fall.
7
Breaking news: Putin meets Tillerson in Moscow.
Clearly Putin does not feel humiliated by Russian impotence in the face of 59 Tomahawk missiles.
Now its all beginning to make sense. The outlines of a real or imagined "grand bargain" are coming into focus.
The US and Russia wage proxy war in the Middle East. The US backs Israel, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, other Gulf States. The Russians back Syria and Iran, which in turn generate great instability for US allies in the region.
The US needs a peace agreement between Israel and the Palestinians (more than the parties do, but that's another question). The Russians need a warm water port (Tartus) and US recognition of a Russian sphere of influence in the region..
Both the US and Russia would like the destruction of ISIS.
The US needs Russia to monitor Iranian compliance with its obligations under the nuclear accord signed by the previous administration, which Mr. Trump seems unwilling to abrogate. The US also needs Iran to stop sponsoring terrorism against Israel and to cease backing for rebels in Yemen, a potent source of instability for Saudi Arabia.
US Sunni Arab allies in the region need the US to renew its responsibilities as a regional power.
Lots and lots of moving parts, mutually exclusive agendas and centuries old hostility stand in the way.
But perhaps this is where we are moving. Just a thought.
Clearly Putin does not feel humiliated by Russian impotence in the face of 59 Tomahawk missiles.
Now its all beginning to make sense. The outlines of a real or imagined "grand bargain" are coming into focus.
The US and Russia wage proxy war in the Middle East. The US backs Israel, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, other Gulf States. The Russians back Syria and Iran, which in turn generate great instability for US allies in the region.
The US needs a peace agreement between Israel and the Palestinians (more than the parties do, but that's another question). The Russians need a warm water port (Tartus) and US recognition of a Russian sphere of influence in the region..
Both the US and Russia would like the destruction of ISIS.
The US needs Russia to monitor Iranian compliance with its obligations under the nuclear accord signed by the previous administration, which Mr. Trump seems unwilling to abrogate. The US also needs Iran to stop sponsoring terrorism against Israel and to cease backing for rebels in Yemen, a potent source of instability for Saudi Arabia.
US Sunni Arab allies in the region need the US to renew its responsibilities as a regional power.
Lots and lots of moving parts, mutually exclusive agendas and centuries old hostility stand in the way.
But perhaps this is where we are moving. Just a thought.
NYT, are you actually using Eric Trump as a source? A person with zero policy experience or substantive knowledge? A con man just like his old man? He's about as credible as Donald Duck.
NYT: DO YOUR JOB.
NYT: DO YOUR JOB.
15
Thank you! Like many other subscribers, I am beginning to question my subscriptions.
1
The Trump-Russia collusion narrative has penetrated so deeply into the psyches of liberals and leftists that no amount of refutation will suffice. Apparently, in the minds of many, the total lack of evidence of collusion is proof that the Trump-Russia conspiracy is real and deeply embedded and will require a titanic effort to bring to light. At what point will the conspiracists concede that there is no there there? Will this be our new "grassy knoll" myth?
2
Watergate is noteworthy because the public did not want to believe, yet the evidence became overwhelming. Here, a good deal of the public want to believe, but the evidence is beyond weak.
This is the type of thing that happens when our nation is led by a man with the intellect of a child, the temperament of a toddler and the attention span of a gnat. He has no long-term strategy or political ideology, so he lurches from one stance to another on every topic. Whatever seems to be more expedient at the moment is what he will do.
We cannot be certain from one moment to another what Trump will do. His actions are largely based on the last thing he saw on cable news and whichever of his rogues' gallery of advisers spoke to him last. He's an isolationist. He's a hawk. He's a non-interventionist. He's a humanitarian warrior. It changes from minute to minute, even within a single sentence as he speaks.
If it earns him political points to squabble with Putin, he will do it. If he can get something out of sucking up to Putin, he will do it. There's no thought of next steps or strategy. Trump lives in the moment. We should prepare for lots of this type of whiplash, both domestically and foreign.
We cannot be certain from one moment to another what Trump will do. His actions are largely based on the last thing he saw on cable news and whichever of his rogues' gallery of advisers spoke to him last. He's an isolationist. He's a hawk. He's a non-interventionist. He's a humanitarian warrior. It changes from minute to minute, even within a single sentence as he speaks.
If it earns him political points to squabble with Putin, he will do it. If he can get something out of sucking up to Putin, he will do it. There's no thought of next steps or strategy. Trump lives in the moment. We should prepare for lots of this type of whiplash, both domestically and foreign.
4
The "shift" is simply another distraction tactic, which has, of course, worked. Just like the nonsense about Putin snubbing his old buddy Rex. (As we knew he wouldn't, he didn't.)
3
This is all an elaborate act. Anything to deflect attention away from this administration's actual problems! What a joke. Trump actually believes that he is fooling people. He continues to be an embarrassment to this country and a blight on the free world.
4
Eric Trump announced the reason for the Syria raid - to put an end to investigation into Trump campaign's collusion with Russians.
The "intrigue " here is more transparent than that on an episode of Survivor!
The "intrigue " here is more transparent than that on an episode of Survivor!
3
Trump is a huckster, a sham-man, a used car salesman. He'll adjust his schpeal to divert you from the truth. Trump colluded with Russia-Assange to subvert our democracy. He asked Russia to hack the DNC. He is involved with Russian money laundering. Tillerson is Putin's business partner. Syria is the smokescreen. Follow the $$$$
3
And don't forget Jill Stein was at the award ceremony in Russia with Michael Flynn, sitting at Putin's table (plenty of pictures of this). Then she came back from Russia and ran an all out campaign against Hillary. Helping put in office someone who appointed an environmental secretary who does not believe in global warming. Follow the money indeed!! This has been a missed story.
2
Big news! It turns out that not everyone believes Trump and Putin conspired to steal the election from Hillary.
Who'd have guessed, eh? There are actually people out there who say "Show me some evidence – don't expect me to believe it just because you say it!"
What's wrong with those people? Why do we need evidence? Isn't it sufficient simply to allege that Trump and Putin conspired to steal the election from Hillary, and then insist that Trump prove he DIDN'T?
Who'd have guessed, eh? There are actually people out there who say "Show me some evidence – don't expect me to believe it just because you say it!"
What's wrong with those people? Why do we need evidence? Isn't it sufficient simply to allege that Trump and Putin conspired to steal the election from Hillary, and then insist that Trump prove he DIDN'T?
3
it's not just the russians...
it's also Comey and misogyny and a racist blacklash(I knew Bill was black but not Hillary)
there were many moving parts to why hillary lost the election... none of which were the voters wishes apparently
it's also Comey and misogyny and a racist blacklash(I knew Bill was black but not Hillary)
there were many moving parts to why hillary lost the election... none of which were the voters wishes apparently
I am bothered and bewildered that the president's daughter can get the president to attack another country because she was "heartbroken and outraged" by the atrocity committed by the Syrian government.. or so says her brother. Now Ivanka is declaring missile strikes!!! Maybe she can do something useful to prevent more deaths, like getting Syrian refugees out of Syria and into the US where they would be relatively safe. This crooked administration is beyond disgusting.
3
Wake up NY Times. if Putin was truly displeased by the Tillerson/Trump&Spicer Punch & Judy Show, he'd have cancelled the meeting with Tillerson. He didn't. Instead more theater trying to led the faux deniability cloak to Trump among the mentally challenged who are fooled by these simple optics.
The Syrian incursion is all about Putin wanting a war between the U.S. and Iran. Why? Because it's to Russia's economic and strategic advantage:
1. Unlike the war in Syria, an expanded war in the Middle East has not, "been priced into the markets." It would cause a sharp increase, even a double in $PB of oil. It would inhibit shipping and pipeline supply from the middle east, but would leave Russian delivery of natural gas and oil largely unaffected to key markets in Europe and China.
2. Russia is Iran's largest arms supplier, and it would further profit from supplying its surrogate with arms and taking needed capital or bartering oil in exchange.
3. The United States would have attention, men and resources mired in the Middle East, and this would free Russia to pursue its designs on Eastern Europe with a ruble shored up by energy prices.
4. Europe would be severely weakened by losing U.S. support for NATO action if it didn't join in with the U.S. through NATO in a war on Iran, which Trump would call for in a false equivalent to the war on Iraq.
5. The U.S. by taking unilateral action would also be weakened in the U.N. and be seen as the belligerent party.
The Syrian incursion is all about Putin wanting a war between the U.S. and Iran. Why? Because it's to Russia's economic and strategic advantage:
1. Unlike the war in Syria, an expanded war in the Middle East has not, "been priced into the markets." It would cause a sharp increase, even a double in $PB of oil. It would inhibit shipping and pipeline supply from the middle east, but would leave Russian delivery of natural gas and oil largely unaffected to key markets in Europe and China.
2. Russia is Iran's largest arms supplier, and it would further profit from supplying its surrogate with arms and taking needed capital or bartering oil in exchange.
3. The United States would have attention, men and resources mired in the Middle East, and this would free Russia to pursue its designs on Eastern Europe with a ruble shored up by energy prices.
4. Europe would be severely weakened by losing U.S. support for NATO action if it didn't join in with the U.S. through NATO in a war on Iran, which Trump would call for in a false equivalent to the war on Iraq.
5. The U.S. by taking unilateral action would also be weakened in the U.N. and be seen as the belligerent party.
19
All excellent points. The Times' analysis should take a few of your tips.
Like Trump's acting when he was on his reality show, it's over the top, completely lacking any form of subtly and completely scripted. Trump wasn't moved to launch missiles in Syria (which he notified Russia of before even congress or even the State Dept and act you can bet your bottom dollar that Putin notified Assad) by seeing the horrific images of the dying and dead, rather it was set up to try to show how he isn't a weak, blustering fool.
This sudden 180 isn't caused by any missile strike or erosion in Russian-United States relations, rather its the actions of a puppet trying to hide the puppeteer, a "look here, not there!" parlor trick used by magicians everywhere.
The noose is tightening around Donald and all his cronies. They are trying everything they can to remove it but with news of Carter Page, the foreign intel advisor for Trump campaign, having a FISA warrant issued more than once, its getting tighter by the day.
This sudden 180 isn't caused by any missile strike or erosion in Russian-United States relations, rather its the actions of a puppet trying to hide the puppeteer, a "look here, not there!" parlor trick used by magicians everywhere.
The noose is tightening around Donald and all his cronies. They are trying everything they can to remove it but with news of Carter Page, the foreign intel advisor for Trump campaign, having a FISA warrant issued more than once, its getting tighter by the day.
5
Only ones with head spinning are the DEMS ! Their entire narrative of TRUMP in bed with Russia trashed when TRUMP bombed Russian Buddy Assad ! PUTIN Now meeting with Tillerson! Earlier it was supposed to be lavrov.. his Russian foreign ministry counterpart ! AMERICA IS BACK on WORLD STAGE.. AS A LEADER .. !
2
Remember during the presidential debates, "No I am not a puppet". Well, Mr. Trump you are. You have no idea what you have got yourself into.
Mr. Trump - you might as well go back to real estate and squeeze the last juice out of the contractors and file bankruptcy.
Mr. Trump - you might as well go back to real estate and squeeze the last juice out of the contractors and file bankruptcy.
1
Trump has a Russian connection simply because the Russians interfered in the election with the purpose of getting him elected over Clinton. We need to find out whether there was active collusion in that effort by Trump or his people but the connection itself in undeniable; the Russians wanted Trump over Clinton.
Whether Trump has an ongoing connection with the Russians is a separate, albeit important, issue. We need to know whether he made a deal with the devil to secure Russian election interference, whether he has financial conflicts of interest, etc. or anything else that might interfere with his ability to make good judgments on behalf of this country.
And that, unfortunately brings us to the final question; whether Trump has surrounded himself with knowledgeable advisers and is otherwise capable of forming a coherent policy with respect to Russia. His inability to articulate a cogent policy, the apparent shifts in position articulated by him and his spokespeople all suggest that, regardless of his bias, he is incapable of identifying and sticking with a cogent and principled policy position relative to the Russians or other critical world players.
Scary times.
Whether Trump has an ongoing connection with the Russians is a separate, albeit important, issue. We need to know whether he made a deal with the devil to secure Russian election interference, whether he has financial conflicts of interest, etc. or anything else that might interfere with his ability to make good judgments on behalf of this country.
And that, unfortunately brings us to the final question; whether Trump has surrounded himself with knowledgeable advisers and is otherwise capable of forming a coherent policy with respect to Russia. His inability to articulate a cogent policy, the apparent shifts in position articulated by him and his spokespeople all suggest that, regardless of his bias, he is incapable of identifying and sticking with a cogent and principled policy position relative to the Russians or other critical world players.
Scary times.
1
And the Russians clearly wanted Exxon Mobile, Tillerson. They gave him their highest honor, and he came from no where to be Trumps SOS. Think about this.
There clearly was, and Trump is proving himself to be every bit the useful too. This charade is to make it seem otherwise to Iran and the Congressional Intelligence Committee, or at least, Fox and Friends.
It all seems like theater between these two unconscionable leaders playing all of us to their advantage.
Is it not possible that Trump's sudden hard line on Russia is meant to conceal his and his administration's connections to Russia? He might have conspired with Putin to do just this, in order to deflect attention from the investigations, and to present himself as innocent of all Russian connections.
If Hillary was president things would be so different. She would have gone in decisively and bombed Assad and regime change would be her goal. She wouldn't have done this wimpy attack where hardly anyone even died. Trump just doesn't understand how to topple a leader. Hillary has the experience like getting rid of Kadafi in Libya. What did she say...we came, he died or something like that. Trump barely seems like he even wants to get rid of Assad. He probably will even start negotiating with the Russians. He doesn't even seem to want a full fledged war with boots on the ground. At the most he will just focus on Isis and not even give guns to those nice rebels. What is this world coming to?
1
Once again zero credibility. We're talking about Putin the man who planted the "little green" men in Crimea and then denied having any involvement breaking away that state from the Ukraine.
Until Trump and his cronies crack open all their financial records and a full investigation is done by a 9/11 style committee, it doesn't matter what Trump tweets or his oil CEO says in front of the cameras.
Until Trump and his cronies crack open all their financial records and a full investigation is done by a 9/11 style committee, it doesn't matter what Trump tweets or his oil CEO says in front of the cameras.
1
This is not a way to run a country!
I thought Trump was correct in bombing Syria but have learned that he warned Russia who warned Syria and nothing was accomplished beyond confusion. Maybe it's a strategy to confuse your enemies, but this confuses friends as well.
AND it seems that Assad may have dropped the sarin gas, and killed so many innocents, just to test Trump's assertion that he wouldn't be pursuing regime change or the ouster of Assad. Trump reacted, so what now? Does the US plan include regime change now? How? Do we have a plan? Is Trump going to pivot back? Will it all depend on what he, or his daughter, sees on TV? Do our enemies just have to control what is shown on Fox & Friends to affect our foreign policy?
I fear for our country.
I thought Trump was correct in bombing Syria but have learned that he warned Russia who warned Syria and nothing was accomplished beyond confusion. Maybe it's a strategy to confuse your enemies, but this confuses friends as well.
AND it seems that Assad may have dropped the sarin gas, and killed so many innocents, just to test Trump's assertion that he wouldn't be pursuing regime change or the ouster of Assad. Trump reacted, so what now? Does the US plan include regime change now? How? Do we have a plan? Is Trump going to pivot back? Will it all depend on what he, or his daughter, sees on TV? Do our enemies just have to control what is shown on Fox & Friends to affect our foreign policy?
I fear for our country.
Excuse me, why are we asking Eric Trump what he thinks about foreign policy? Did we ask Malia what she thought of her father's foreign policy? The NYT continues to treat DT as if he is in fact a real president, instead of a charlatan who sold the country a bunch of lies. There are no policies here, there is no thinking here, there is just amazement that they won and they are throwing stuff at the wall, to see what sticks. Ignore them, they will go away in a few years.
15
From the article: "Jennifer Palmieri, the communications director for Hillary Clinton’s campaign last year, said the shift in tone in recent days did not mean there was not collusion during the election."
Some people need to get a job (and probably a life!). It really is time to move on, the election is OVER.
Some people need to get a job (and probably a life!). It really is time to move on, the election is OVER.
2
For Trump or Putin, Syria is a chess board, they are making there moves to show respective strengths to the neighborhood in the middle east, none of them cares how many innocent Syrian people die.
Once again Trump proved he has no concrete M.E policy and he make his decisions based on his gut feelings and not policy.
Once again Trump proved he has no concrete M.E policy and he make his decisions based on his gut feelings and not policy.
There are times when the media self inflicts more challenges to its credulity than Trump charges that it publishes fake news.
This relates to overstating Trump few acts of competency to the extent of propping him up after his atrocious record within the first 100 days.
This first occurred when it breathlessly extolled his "presidential" speech before Congress, as if this cancelled his bellicose tweets and deplorable cabinet appointments. And lies as ridiculous as the millions of fraudulent votes in the popular vote and even the size of his inauguration crowd.
The second now appears as the media rushes to cast the administration's Russia whiplash of policy as threatening to the Trump/Russian campaign investigations.
In both cases, these rare occasions of rational behavior are treated as potential inflection points in a chaotic, if not repressive presidency and serve to unwittingly rehabilitate it.
There is an old, crude but applicable saying that the sun shines on a dog's posterior, every now and then. The fact that it occasionally does is no cause for celebration or speculation.
This relates to overstating Trump few acts of competency to the extent of propping him up after his atrocious record within the first 100 days.
This first occurred when it breathlessly extolled his "presidential" speech before Congress, as if this cancelled his bellicose tweets and deplorable cabinet appointments. And lies as ridiculous as the millions of fraudulent votes in the popular vote and even the size of his inauguration crowd.
The second now appears as the media rushes to cast the administration's Russia whiplash of policy as threatening to the Trump/Russian campaign investigations.
In both cases, these rare occasions of rational behavior are treated as potential inflection points in a chaotic, if not repressive presidency and serve to unwittingly rehabilitate it.
There is an old, crude but applicable saying that the sun shines on a dog's posterior, every now and then. The fact that it occasionally does is no cause for celebration or speculation.
1
Keep investigating!
6
Could it be the powers that be may not be too thrilled with Putin as peacemaker? He was able to achieve a somewhat shaky ceasefire in Syria and was holding peace talks in Kazakhstan around the 22nd of January,2017 between different factions of the rebel groups, the Syrian Government, Turkey, Iran, etc. Talks were to continue at a future date.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/syria-peace-talks-ka...
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-38728903
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jan/22/russia-syria-talks-astana-...
http://www.newsweek.com/united-nations-russia-syria-syrian-war-peace-tal...
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/syria-peace-talks-ka...
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-38728903
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jan/22/russia-syria-talks-astana-...
http://www.newsweek.com/united-nations-russia-syria-syrian-war-peace-tal...
Cynically using Syria as a diversion does not in any way excuse what was clear collusion during the election campaign.
4
Kabuki Theatre - Artifice, fake, insincere, something done only for show.
6
Is there a shift, (?) or all smoke and whistles (?)
2
Not sure why people are claiming cognitive dissonance when the two facts below are easily reconcilable:
1. Putin supported Trump's presidency and defiled our elector process because he was afraid that America's stance towards Russia would be less forgiving under Hillary Clinton, whom he despised.
2. Putin is reaping the rewards of what he sowed because Trump has no consistent intellectual moorings and is completely unpredictable.
Both things can be true.
1. Putin supported Trump's presidency and defiled our elector process because he was afraid that America's stance towards Russia would be less forgiving under Hillary Clinton, whom he despised.
2. Putin is reaping the rewards of what he sowed because Trump has no consistent intellectual moorings and is completely unpredictable.
Both things can be true.
3
How simplistic are the Democrats and most of the NYT reporters and opinionators these days? Very. They assume the worst, every time, even before action happens.
Where did their mental skills disappear to?
Or worse, maybe the birds flocking together so strongly diminished the whole.
Where did their mental skills disappear to?
Or worse, maybe the birds flocking together so strongly diminished the whole.
3
"If there was anything that Syria did, it was to validate the fact that there is no Russia tie."
We're not idiots. Congress has determined that Russia attempted to interfere with our elections. What has not been determined, and is still the subject of hearings, is whether or not there was any collusion between Trump's associates and Russia. We are all still waiting. What Trump wants to tweet or Trump Jr. wants to say about it is irrelevant.
We're not idiots. Congress has determined that Russia attempted to interfere with our elections. What has not been determined, and is still the subject of hearings, is whether or not there was any collusion between Trump's associates and Russia. We are all still waiting. What Trump wants to tweet or Trump Jr. wants to say about it is irrelevant.
5
The head snapping change of direction is simple and transparent. It is designed to deflect any investigation into the Russian interference in the U.S. election. Forget trying to rationalize the motives behind the change -- this, as the man says " ain't rocket science." Eric Trump is now a policy wonk to be believed about how this proves that his father's campaign didn't have ties to Russia? Really? Eric Trump's views about hair gel is infinitely more credible.
2
Geopolitical whiplash indeed. The real story here is how we are being played by Trump and Putin. NYT, that's the story you should be uncovering. Anything else adds to the confusion, enhances the collusion and puts Americans and the world in danger.
"Even in a presidency marked by unpredictability, the head-spinning shift from coziness to confrontation has left Washington and other capitals with a case of geopolitical whiplash."
Really? Trump is programmed for random play. He's EXACTLY what you get, when you elect a man of no more than average intelligence, zero geo-political experience, a terminal lack of curiosity and a raging personality disorder to be President of the United States.
What did anyone reasonably expect? Then couple that with the appointment of a Secretary of State whose qualifications for the job are...are...are.....I give up. Oh, right- a Republican majority in the Senate, a/k/a Trump's Eunuchs. Do you think there's a single foreign minister in Europe or elsewhere who takes Tillerson seriously? The man's entire career is based on pulling fossil fuels out of the ground and putting them into the atmosphere for all to enjoy.
Buckle up, ladies and gentlemen. You're on a rollercoaster built by amateurs, who fired all the safety inspectors because the rollercoaster manufacturers wanted them gone.
Really? Trump is programmed for random play. He's EXACTLY what you get, when you elect a man of no more than average intelligence, zero geo-political experience, a terminal lack of curiosity and a raging personality disorder to be President of the United States.
What did anyone reasonably expect? Then couple that with the appointment of a Secretary of State whose qualifications for the job are...are...are.....I give up. Oh, right- a Republican majority in the Senate, a/k/a Trump's Eunuchs. Do you think there's a single foreign minister in Europe or elsewhere who takes Tillerson seriously? The man's entire career is based on pulling fossil fuels out of the ground and putting them into the atmosphere for all to enjoy.
Buckle up, ladies and gentlemen. You're on a rollercoaster built by amateurs, who fired all the safety inspectors because the rollercoaster manufacturers wanted them gone.
4
Oh, please. There is only one strategy at work here: distraction. Trump lacks the capacity to think globally; stop acting (and writing) as if he does. Just listen to son Eric, who is out in front of the disinformation campaign: “If there was anything that Syria did, it was to validate the fact that there is no Russia tie."
If The Times and other media drop the story of the Russian connection with Trump's campaign in the face of the Administration's smoke, mirrors and flashy (or "lovely," to quote Brian Williams) missle attacks, you'll have been duped. Please don't prove that you're as malleable (a kind characterization) as Eric Trump thinks you are.
If The Times and other media drop the story of the Russian connection with Trump's campaign in the face of the Administration's smoke, mirrors and flashy (or "lovely," to quote Brian Williams) missle attacks, you'll have been duped. Please don't prove that you're as malleable (a kind characterization) as Eric Trump thinks you are.
4
Yeah sure, he was heartbroken and outraged. But all of the atrocities in Syria until now haven't risen to the level needed to touch his bigly heart. What a crock.
2
“If there was anything that Syria did, it was to validate the fact that there is no Russia tie,” said Eric Trump, the president’s son."
Whew. It seems likely that there were ties to Russia. Glad that the president's son clarified this.
Whew. It seems likely that there were ties to Russia. Glad that the president's son clarified this.
6
The New York Times needs haha emoji ala facebook.
Every day with Trump is comedy gold.
Every day with Trump is comedy gold.
Oh my god, New York Times. You literally never learn.
9
Why would any credible news organization even print a quote from Eric Trump? Since when is he considered a credible spokesman? Come on, New York Times. That just insults your readers.
5
Quoting Eric Trump!?? What's wrong with Peter Baker and the New York Times?
2
Day after day, I read the papers online, check 'Breaking News' on my phone, talk to people I consider reasonably well informed and moderate in temperament, and try to hope for the best. But hoping for the best isn't working any longer.
What is going to happen when Russia draws its own 'red line' over Syria or Iran? Or when warlord Kim Jong-un fires a missile at the Carl Vinson Strike Group? Or that lunatic Duterte spits in China's eye again? Or the next pandemic? The next level 4 hurricane? The next mass shooting?
I didn't study foreign relations at Georgetown or serve as an Ambassador to Sweden, but "even a bad high school student" (remember that zinger?) can see that something really bad is coming our way eventually, possibly several bad somethings.
I'm afraid that this thinly staffed, uninitiated, fractious, self-serving, buck-passing administration wouldn't be able to handle a transit strike in my hometown, let alone any one of those situations.
Like I said, hope left town. What's left?
What is going to happen when Russia draws its own 'red line' over Syria or Iran? Or when warlord Kim Jong-un fires a missile at the Carl Vinson Strike Group? Or that lunatic Duterte spits in China's eye again? Or the next pandemic? The next level 4 hurricane? The next mass shooting?
I didn't study foreign relations at Georgetown or serve as an Ambassador to Sweden, but "even a bad high school student" (remember that zinger?) can see that something really bad is coming our way eventually, possibly several bad somethings.
I'm afraid that this thinly staffed, uninitiated, fractious, self-serving, buck-passing administration wouldn't be able to handle a transit strike in my hometown, let alone any one of those situations.
Like I said, hope left town. What's left?
12
"I'm not in league with Russia, Ha Ha, look I don;t even like them now. See?
I say bad things about them. Believe me! Please."
I say bad things about them. Believe me! Please."
7
What irks me about all of this is that I have yet to see anyone in the media call out Trump on his constant "flip-flopping." Case in point - he tweeted in 2013 that Obama should not get us involved in Syria. Now in 2017 he blames the Obama administration for Syria and for not getting involved in Syria. Trump is either suffering from early stages of dementia or he thinks we're all a bunch of idiots.
2
It's clearly both, but he's beyond "early" stages.
1
Sorry, but this is some pretty poor analysis. For example:
"Mr. Trump is the fourth president in a row who came into office determined to reboot the relationship with Moscow"
Trump wasn't determined to do anything of the sort. He was determined to cover his keister so the Russians wouldn't blow the whistle on their connections to his businesses and to the meddling in the election. With his credibility at -0 it's not hard to believe that his sudden criticism of Russia is all one more step in the coverup.
"Mr. Trump is the fourth president in a row who came into office determined to reboot the relationship with Moscow"
Trump wasn't determined to do anything of the sort. He was determined to cover his keister so the Russians wouldn't blow the whistle on their connections to his businesses and to the meddling in the election. With his credibility at -0 it's not hard to believe that his sudden criticism of Russia is all one more step in the coverup.
4
Please, please, please...STOP asking Eric Trump for his "thoughts" - he has no clue what's going on beyond his so-called business dealings. Is it now the belief that Ivanka was responsible for the bombing in Syria 'cause she told "daddy" how upset she was. The entire family should stay out of politics and the media should stop asking them their thoughts on government and foreign policy. NYT should get better sources for quotes.
3
And yet it is these quotes from Eric and Ivanka that tell us exactly who is making decisions and how. Why would we want the Times to pivot to quoting more responsible decision-makers if there aren't any, and these are the voices the administration wants us to hear?
1
The more rabbits the orange one dispatches the less people believe him outside of his addled base. This also further erodes his credibility with world powers. His bellicose threats to China are another rabbit trying to bolster his tough guy image but with China in particular they will be greeted with a shrug as they play the long game and watch him run his amateur hour administration. His incompetence at governing will continue to be manifested and mocked. The biggest infrastructure project after he leaves (hopefully soon) will be the rebuilding of America's reputation with world powers.
5
It a red-herring!
Don't let Benedict and his boys fool you.
PROSECUTE RUSSIAGATE!
Don't let Benedict and his boys fool you.
PROSECUTE RUSSIAGATE!
6
As they say, "The gendarmes are breathing down his neck." Eric Trump basically admitted that the newfound toughness toward Russia was useful in dispelling the narrative about how the President is in Putin's pocket. So how do the Russians retaliate? A well-timed leak of the supposed hotel-room video to WikiLeaks?
3
The cynic in me says that this is an attempt to overcome the perception and/or reality of Russian influence on our last election plus Trump's inner circle. My hope is that this doesn't release a bunch of "Twitter" bombs that merely inflame the situation.
What is needed is an investigation of Russia's involvement with Assad and his regime, the leasing of an extraterritorial port on the Syrian coast and how can we get a large group of nations to cooperate on removing Assad and defeating ISIS. This calls for skilled diplomatic leadership. Where are the Dean Achesons and George Marshalls of this era. One thing is for sure. They are not in Trumps cadre of inexperienced blowhards.
What is needed is an investigation of Russia's involvement with Assad and his regime, the leasing of an extraterritorial port on the Syrian coast and how can we get a large group of nations to cooperate on removing Assad and defeating ISIS. This calls for skilled diplomatic leadership. Where are the Dean Achesons and George Marshalls of this era. One thing is for sure. They are not in Trumps cadre of inexperienced blowhards.
The only heads spinning are those of the hapless liberal media who have channeled their inner Joe McCarthy in an attempt to delegitimize Trump's presidency. Countless stories about the collusion with Russia in the DNC hacking and not one shred of evidence. Liberal Truth. It's grounded on fiction.
2
I love how the New York Times just changed the original headline to a more divisive, anti-Trump one.
1
patently phony, a ruse to distract from Trump's Russian connects.
this gag wouldn't pass muster with an intern script reader in the bowels of a class B talent agency.
beware entangling foreign alliances!
next!
this gag wouldn't pass muster with an intern script reader in the bowels of a class B talent agency.
beware entangling foreign alliances!
next!
3
Interesting how this little dance Trump and Putin are doing has actually done little harm to either one. A few pock marks and pimples on a couple runways in remote Syria....hardly evidence of a deep chasm between these two brolovers! Timing is everything and the "TV star pretending to be president" Trump knows about timing. Remember that little tune from Oklahoma...."Don't ......, People will say we're in love!"
2
Heh, heh, heh...he did it again didn't he? Everything is trump. Every detente, conflict, headline, op-ed, steak and vodka. How long do you think it will take before life-size bronze statues of his majesty start popping up at the entrances of closed mines? How many boy babies on the right will be named Donald? How many people on the left named Donald will petition to have their name changed?
Ladies and Gentlemen, Children of All Ages....
Ladies and Gentlemen, Children of All Ages....
2
"Who's the dummy writing this show?"
It was funnier in TV shows and earlier when Bob Hope said it.
It was funnier in TV shows and earlier when Bob Hope said it.
2
It looks like Putin had a much more pleasant time with Obama as president. Putin can't just do what ever he wants anymore. There should be an investigation into a Putin/Obama connection. Obama was obviously a pawn of Putin.
Syria has spun out of control with Russia, Iran, Hezbollah, and Assad thinking they can do what they want. The truth is Turkey, Jordan, Saudis, the Kurds all want the Syrian government to be Sunni, as 85% of the people are. Time for the US to state it, ake it happen, and that's it. All this worry about a bad actor getting control of the Syrian Government is just worry. There are stable governments willing to help, including Egypt. Bad policy by the US has caused this to happen. The majority of Syrians will not support Hezbollah, Iran or any Shiite control of their country. Totally illogical.
I believe you will likely find ISIS, al Qaeda, al Nusra are Sunni as well.
Putin has been playing Donald Trump like a bass fiddle.
1
He ran circles around Obama too. Let's hope we don't fight him over a tinpot Mideast dictator who is his longstanding ally.
The con man's latest con.
Use the chemical attack as a pretext for distance from Russia in order to: 1) change the subject (mission accomplished, the press is chasing it like a cat to a string, only to find there is no policy to be found); 2) rouse public sentiment on the corpses of dead Syrians (how about every other attack we've all overlooked? Suddenly Trump is concerned when his position has been no involvement and ABSOLUTELY NO to those fleeing the conflict!)
Too late Donald.
Your latest faint won't save you from the investigations which will show your foreknowledge and collusion with Russian cyber crime in the election. And your current cover up.
Pssst…Donald, that's called treason.
If anything Trump does or says is ever taken seriously by anyone, here's my advice:
Listen to his words. Compare to his record and ask yourself as you would for any petty con- what's his angle this time?
Listen and think.
His lies are easy at this point.
His confused words and stepping all over his previous statements like a cornered five year old reveal "Trump Truth."
Which is always a self-serving, self-agrandizing, cynical, typically incoherent and super easy to figure out… if you are not a gullible fool.
Well, are you?
Use the chemical attack as a pretext for distance from Russia in order to: 1) change the subject (mission accomplished, the press is chasing it like a cat to a string, only to find there is no policy to be found); 2) rouse public sentiment on the corpses of dead Syrians (how about every other attack we've all overlooked? Suddenly Trump is concerned when his position has been no involvement and ABSOLUTELY NO to those fleeing the conflict!)
Too late Donald.
Your latest faint won't save you from the investigations which will show your foreknowledge and collusion with Russian cyber crime in the election. And your current cover up.
Pssst…Donald, that's called treason.
If anything Trump does or says is ever taken seriously by anyone, here's my advice:
Listen to his words. Compare to his record and ask yourself as you would for any petty con- what's his angle this time?
Listen and think.
His lies are easy at this point.
His confused words and stepping all over his previous statements like a cornered five year old reveal "Trump Truth."
Which is always a self-serving, self-agrandizing, cynical, typically incoherent and super easy to figure out… if you are not a gullible fool.
Well, are you?
3
He didn't mean it when he "cozied up" to Putin, and he doesn't mean it when he "confronts" Russia. When he was almost certainly complicit in the Russian hacking. he didn't mean it and almost certainly didn't even know it was a crime. The press is dragged along in the fool's game of taking his latest posturing nonsense seriously - and we all pay for his being legitimized.
But facts are facts. It is still impeachable to commit treason and to profit directly from policy, and it is still intolerable to entrust the presidency and the world to a lying, thieving incompetent.
This Syria missile pivot is, um, "fake news." Sad.
But facts are facts. It is still impeachable to commit treason and to profit directly from policy, and it is still intolerable to entrust the presidency and the world to a lying, thieving incompetent.
This Syria missile pivot is, um, "fake news." Sad.
1
Think of the billions Trump, his cronies, Putin and the oligarchs stand to make. They can afford to lose a few planes, And I wouldn't put it past Putin or Trump to lose men in combat, not to manage thousands of civilians to protect their positions. Nixon cost tens of thousands of lives by scuttling peace talks for Viet Nam.
We're not falling for this. We know who these men are.
We're not falling for this. We know who these men are.
7
I think Baker is missing something here.
Trump and Russia obviously had a deal.
As Tillerson stated yesterday, the US is willing to
back off and soften their position relative to Ukraine.
In return, Russia is willing to help out in Syria including
the possible removal of Assad and or partitioning of the
country.
This quid pro quo could not be executed directly because of
the fact that Russia assisted Trump in his campaign for President,
so this charade, referred to as "whiplash" in the article helps to
obscure the fact that this is a done deal.
Don't believe me?
just watch.
Trump and Russia obviously had a deal.
As Tillerson stated yesterday, the US is willing to
back off and soften their position relative to Ukraine.
In return, Russia is willing to help out in Syria including
the possible removal of Assad and or partitioning of the
country.
This quid pro quo could not be executed directly because of
the fact that Russia assisted Trump in his campaign for President,
so this charade, referred to as "whiplash" in the article helps to
obscure the fact that this is a done deal.
Don't believe me?
just watch.
12
I am not a religious person but I pray every day that Trump is removed from office either resigns or is impeached. I pray every day that some of the Republicans who I mistakenly thought had a moral compass like John McCain and Lindsey Graham finally wake up out of their stupors and realize how dangerous it is to have Trump as the head of the free world.
He does not read reports, analyze things, process information, he practices foreign policy for what gets the most votes. I am frustrated, sad, depressed, scared that a majority of people in this country and members of the GOP do not realize what grave danger we are in with Trump in charge. I am just shocked and dumbfounded that in 2017 we have such an imbecile as POTUS.
He does not read reports, analyze things, process information, he practices foreign policy for what gets the most votes. I am frustrated, sad, depressed, scared that a majority of people in this country and members of the GOP do not realize what grave danger we are in with Trump in charge. I am just shocked and dumbfounded that in 2017 we have such an imbecile as POTUS.
6
The whole thing is a big con. Everyone-- Eric, Ivanka, Sean, Rex, Vladimir-- is fanning out to show definitively that there couldn't have been collusion-- why, Putin won't even meet with Tillerson! Ivanka wept! That proves it!
MSM, keep your eyes on the ball here. For example, we really could care less that Ivanka was "heartbroken and outraged"-- that is not worthy of reporting. It's an obvious distraction. Her emotional reactivity should not in any normal world be a part of policy decisions and the media's insistence on highlighting such inanity only cements the diversion.
The Russian connections are a deep, sticky web of big money, power-brokering, extortion, murder, and, ultimately, treason. Please relegate the silliness of Trump's tweets, Ivanka's tears, Eric's inane pronouncements, Sean's cringe-worthy stupidity, to the bottom on the page. They are a clown car. The Russian investigation must be top news every day.
MSM, keep your eyes on the ball here. For example, we really could care less that Ivanka was "heartbroken and outraged"-- that is not worthy of reporting. It's an obvious distraction. Her emotional reactivity should not in any normal world be a part of policy decisions and the media's insistence on highlighting such inanity only cements the diversion.
The Russian connections are a deep, sticky web of big money, power-brokering, extortion, murder, and, ultimately, treason. Please relegate the silliness of Trump's tweets, Ivanka's tears, Eric's inane pronouncements, Sean's cringe-worthy stupidity, to the bottom on the page. They are a clown car. The Russian investigation must be top news every day.
4
Don't be so naïve. Trump is a master at misdirection and propaganda. This is theater designed to obfuscate his Russia connections.
4
Democrats, liberals and progressives are having a hissy fit because they can't pigeon hole Trump as a far right wing nut. Just when they think he is in the tank for Russia, he launches 59 Tomahawk missiles against their buddy Assad's airbase in Syria. Even the far left Chuck Schumer had to compliment Trump. It is fun watching the Democrats getting their shorts in a knot while Trump trumps them at every turn.
Many commenters insist that evidence will emerge that Trump and Putin conspired to steal the election from Hillary. None so far, though. Nunes has stepped aside in the House investigation, the Senate investigators insist they're independent and zealous, Trump has encouraged Flynn to cooperate fully, and Jim Comey assured us months ago that the FBI is on the job.
Yet, so far, nada. Maybe that will change -- after all, it's only been 5 months since Election Day. But maybe -- just maybe -- there won't be any evidence even 10 months, or 15 months, after Election Day that Trump and Putin conspired to steal the election from Hillary. Maybe it will turn out that Hillary just -- you know -- lost.
Yet, so far, nada. Maybe that will change -- after all, it's only been 5 months since Election Day. But maybe -- just maybe -- there won't be any evidence even 10 months, or 15 months, after Election Day that Trump and Putin conspired to steal the election from Hillary. Maybe it will turn out that Hillary just -- you know -- lost.
The Trump administration is simpleminded, so it follows that the change in disposition is simpleminded. Trump is using the Syrian gas tragedy to diffuse his connections with Russia. I am sure both Trump and Putin have crafted this 'rift' intentionally. Just theatre folks, except for the dead in Syria.
2
I wonder what Foreign Policy decisions Trump's Magic 8-Ball will make today? "Outlook Good"? "Signs Point To Yes"?
Or will he turn to the Ouija Board instead?
Decisions. Decisions.
Who knew decisions could be so (un)complicated?
Or will he turn to the Ouija Board instead?
Decisions. Decisions.
Who knew decisions could be so (un)complicated?
2
Trump's new reality show, "TREASON," which I initially characterized as "a complex yet entertaining exploration of melding Horror with a certain comedic ineptitude reminiscent of The Three Stooges," has now taken another bold step in pushing the creative envelope even further. The show has unexpectedly borrowed a page from soap operas but has done so with a refreshingly new approach. It has melded Soap Opera into a Reality Show format and combined it with the edginess of political drama and intrigue, surpassing even "House of Cards" for the pure audacity of its plot. It's almost as if the writers themselves have no idea of what will happen next. This uncertainty lends to the underlying thread of terror that ties all the episodes together.
The two star crossed lovers pain is laid bare for all the world to witness. Is Vlad aching with the pain of betrayal? Is Trump's silence the regret he feels for acting rashly? Is this just the story of two star crossed lovers? Or is it all a grand deception meant to distract from the criminal investigation?
"Treason" is indeed a tour de force that will be remembered for generations - that's assuming of course that civilization survives the final episode.
The two star crossed lovers pain is laid bare for all the world to witness. Is Vlad aching with the pain of betrayal? Is Trump's silence the regret he feels for acting rashly? Is this just the story of two star crossed lovers? Or is it all a grand deception meant to distract from the criminal investigation?
"Treason" is indeed a tour de force that will be remembered for generations - that's assuming of course that civilization survives the final episode.
4
Anyone who gets sucked in by this political theater is beyond naive. Of course there was collusion between the election campaign and russia. Of course there's a hidden web of financial and now political connections with putin and his oligarch associates. Of course there are glaring conflicts of interest and possibly treasonable offenses to be uncovered.
The Fourth Estate is on trial here, as this is where you have to make some hard choices. Truth needs to be the goal, the objective. Don't sell out the American people, and our crippled democracy!
The Fourth Estate is on trial here, as this is where you have to make some hard choices. Truth needs to be the goal, the objective. Don't sell out the American people, and our crippled democracy!
3
Trump is failing on Syria. He should understand that Russia can move in Syria in minutes notice .So then what you want to start a world war attacking Russian facilities therer. Our hands are full. We cannot keep wasting tax payers money just because some one is in power to do so. We should just get the job done in Iraq on ISIS and get out of this escalating middle east trap we are in. We have so much influence with Israel and we can't even solve the Israel-Palestinian problem and what to think of other problems in middle east.
"Heads" that understand the nature and power of the CIA and the actual reality of their agenda versus the narrative pushed by our embedded press aren't spinning. We can see how long it took for the Deep State to rein in an arrogant clown like Trump. Notice that Bannon is increasingly out. That may be a good thing but it doesn't mean the Pentagon Neocons are good guys for that we should be at war with Russia or China.
The Syria bombing did three things for Trump
First it distracted from the bombing of civilians by the US in Yemen, Syria and Iraq.
Second bombing a new target is a sure fire way for a US president to boost ratings.
Third it distracts from the investigation of collusion with Russia on disrupting the US election.
Fourth as they have already telegraphed in their clumsy way it "proves' that they have not been colluding with Russia.
First it distracted from the bombing of civilians by the US in Yemen, Syria and Iraq.
Second bombing a new target is a sure fire way for a US president to boost ratings.
Third it distracts from the investigation of collusion with Russia on disrupting the US election.
Fourth as they have already telegraphed in their clumsy way it "proves' that they have not been colluding with Russia.
Has anyone noticed China's warning today to North Korea? I'm sure Putin has and will soon be acting accordingly.
Putin will meet with Tillerson. This is all scripted Trump Putin drama to divert from the alleged collusion.
Putin had the ability to stop the Tomahawk missiles. He has the weaponry in Syria but he did not use it.
All this speculation about a strained Russian American relationship stinks. It simply is, based on Putin's work in electing Trump, highly improbable.
Yet the press laps it up. Incredible!
Putin had the ability to stop the Tomahawk missiles. He has the weaponry in Syria but he did not use it.
All this speculation about a strained Russian American relationship stinks. It simply is, based on Putin's work in electing Trump, highly improbable.
Yet the press laps it up. Incredible!
2
For a very long time, the NYT and many others have insisted that Trump conspired with the Russians to steal the election from Hillary. No evidence of that, of course, but many commenters insist Trump has "proved" it by taking an anti-Putin action.
Why, after all, would Trump do something nasty to Putin unless he was trying to prove he's not really Putin's buddy? The very fact that he did something nasty to Putin, therefore, proves he IS Putin's buddy.
I THINK I get the logic. Not quite sure yet, though. I'll have to think it through a bit more.
Why, after all, would Trump do something nasty to Putin unless he was trying to prove he's not really Putin's buddy? The very fact that he did something nasty to Putin, therefore, proves he IS Putin's buddy.
I THINK I get the logic. Not quite sure yet, though. I'll have to think it through a bit more.
I agree that we need a thorough, credible investigation into Russia's interference in the election.
However, I also think some of you are being a bit paranoid and lacking objectivity. The comments read as though you've assumed that Russia-Trump collusion is a fact, just because you don't like Trump, and are now interpreting everything through that lens. "If Trump acts friendly to Russia, it's because of collusion, if he acts against Russian interests, it's not because there is no collusion, it's because he's conspiring to throw us off track."
If there is/was real Trump/Russia collusion, that's very significant, but don't discredit yourselves either but appearing to completely lack objectivity.
However, I also think some of you are being a bit paranoid and lacking objectivity. The comments read as though you've assumed that Russia-Trump collusion is a fact, just because you don't like Trump, and are now interpreting everything through that lens. "If Trump acts friendly to Russia, it's because of collusion, if he acts against Russian interests, it's not because there is no collusion, it's because he's conspiring to throw us off track."
If there is/was real Trump/Russia collusion, that's very significant, but don't discredit yourselves either but appearing to completely lack objectivity.
2
Just like putting the son of a Muslim immigrant in as president was a wild card move, so was Donald Trump.
It used to be that the rest of the world is unpredictable. Now it's us. We used to be the adults. Now someone else has to rise to occasion or we'll all be just squabbling greedy children.
Any volunteers?
It used to be that the rest of the world is unpredictable. Now it's us. We used to be the adults. Now someone else has to rise to occasion or we'll all be just squabbling greedy children.
Any volunteers?
Wag. The. Dog.
4
Swedish Doctors for Human rights are being threatened by the jihadis as we speak for daring to challenge the Deep State/terrorist narrative.
As the investigation closes in on Trump and his cronies, it's smoke and mirrors time.
“If there was anything that Syria did, it was to validate the fact that there is no Russia tie,” said Eric Trump, the president’s son.
Yeah, right.
The only question remains is how many will sink aboard Trump the Titanic.
“If there was anything that Syria did, it was to validate the fact that there is no Russia tie,” said Eric Trump, the president’s son.
Yeah, right.
The only question remains is how many will sink aboard Trump the Titanic.
3
Come on. This is a head spinner? A surprise? This is simply early defensive moves to offset any treasonous accusations to come out of the Russian hacking scandal which may implicate many top Trump associates. He's laying the groundwork for the following tweet; 'No one is more anti Russian than Trump!'
This development can not be a surprise to anyone who reads a paper or watches any news at all. And frankly, the claim it is a surprise calls into question the political astuteness of anyone who was, well, , surprised. In fact, you could see this one coming up 5th Avenure.
This development can not be a surprise to anyone who reads a paper or watches any news at all. And frankly, the claim it is a surprise calls into question the political astuteness of anyone who was, well, , surprised. In fact, you could see this one coming up 5th Avenure.
2
It's so confusing!
It USED to be that Trump showed he was Putin's lap dog by saying and doing things the Russians like.
NOW Trump shows he's Putin's lap dog by saying and doing things the Russians don't like.
Maybe Trump should try splitting the difference: say and do things that the Russians sort of like and sort of don't like. Maybe that will get people to stop calling him Putin's lap dog.
Somehow, though, I doubt it.
It USED to be that Trump showed he was Putin's lap dog by saying and doing things the Russians like.
NOW Trump shows he's Putin's lap dog by saying and doing things the Russians don't like.
Maybe Trump should try splitting the difference: say and do things that the Russians sort of like and sort of don't like. Maybe that will get people to stop calling him Putin's lap dog.
Somehow, though, I doubt it.
Shape Shifting on Russia Policy by TRUMP and TILLERSON comes down to one imperative…Find a way to restore the $500 Billion Oil deal killed off by 'Sanctions on Russia'.
As the "Wall Street Journal" reported in 2014 " Blocking the deal did not just put Exxon at Risk" the biggest Oil deal in history was "expected to change the historical trajectory of Russia".
Follow the $$$$…If you want to understand what drives policy with this cabal of Kleptocrats. Everything else is just smoke and mirrors.
As the "Wall Street Journal" reported in 2014 " Blocking the deal did not just put Exxon at Risk" the biggest Oil deal in history was "expected to change the historical trajectory of Russia".
Follow the $$$$…If you want to understand what drives policy with this cabal of Kleptocrats. Everything else is just smoke and mirrors.
6
This entire diversionary tactic leads me to believe, more than ever, that the intelligence is on the right trail. Hope they disregard these decoys. Our President, who is typically afflicted with diarrhea of the mouth, is strangely silent.
I smell a rat.
I smell a rat.
3
What a better way to divert all the negative attention away from the Russian Connection to the Oval Office than to find the US public one common enemy for all....
3
I am unreservedly in the cynical camp. This includes my view of the tomahawks' launch.
3
Donald Trump didn't "shift" anything. He was NEVER in a bromance with Putin. It's a case of the MSM believing it's own propaganda. It's no different than when Donald Trump won the election. The Left had manufactured a "racist, homophobic, xenophobic, Russian-kissing" Donald Trump. On November 9th the MSM faced the cameras in stunned disbelief. They forgot that Evil Donald Trump only existed in the machinations of their own minds. The ironic thing is - the Left will NEVER figure this out - no matter how many times they get ensnared in their own trap.
1
Paper tiger. Deflection of reality. Bannon & Putin work at deconstruction of US. We need more sanctions on Russia. Laws to prevent Russian money laundering in US. Why are there no demands for our Arab Allies to commit more military to fight ISIS & Iran? There are 3 witches ,in the famous scene from Shakespeare,standing around the boiling pot,Trump,Putin, & Bannon. Need anyone say more? If Trump wants to clear his name,release the taxes for a start. He is afraid to do so because of his shame in how he has acquired his money. He abandons our allies & pr
Oboes our enemies,what next ? Start another war & reduce taxes? Ask China for a loan for infrastructure & impose tariffs ? Such a well thought out plan.
Oboes our enemies,what next ? Start another war & reduce taxes? Ask China for a loan for infrastructure & impose tariffs ? Such a well thought out plan.
1
Hmmm, Liberals, "Trump is buddies and is colluding with Russia". Liberals now, "Even though Trump is confronting Russia and sent 49 missles to blow up things in Syria, he's just kidding; it's just a smoke screen to cover up how much he loves Russa." Hilarious.
1
Perhaps Putin thought that, if he tipped the election in Trump's favor, Trump's sense of loyalty would protect him, but, as we've seen with others (Bannon most recently) Trump's loyalty lies only, or at best, with his family. The fear now has to be that the dingbat-in-chief will start a nuclear war.
Know a con when you see one? Talk from a credibly absent Trump administration along with the appearance of attacking a Syrian air base, that was up and running fine the next day because of a complete lack of damage to any runway (the point of having an air base), and this is a “new toughness”? You’re kidding, right? You're being played... notice the Trump-Russia investigation is off the front page?
When will you stop beating this fake "Trump-Putin" collusion drum? I did not support either candidate because I felt that both were horrible -- the grabber
vs. Hillary and her baggage. Trump is President for one reason and one reason only -- Clinton was a horrible candidate, and ran an awful campaign.
You people really do not understand how deranged you sound -- the US President colluding with Russia to have its client Syria murder its own people with chemical weapons as a "distraction"? We are now almost a year out from the start of the "investigations"into Trump, with hundreds of leaks, yet no proof of any collusion. Don't you think that we would know of any "collusion" by now?
The more energy that you waste on this conspiracy theory is better for Trump. How about some soul-searching as to the real reasons that Trump won, and what policy change can be made to win back the former base of the D party that went for Trump in key states?
vs. Hillary and her baggage. Trump is President for one reason and one reason only -- Clinton was a horrible candidate, and ran an awful campaign.
You people really do not understand how deranged you sound -- the US President colluding with Russia to have its client Syria murder its own people with chemical weapons as a "distraction"? We are now almost a year out from the start of the "investigations"into Trump, with hundreds of leaks, yet no proof of any collusion. Don't you think that we would know of any "collusion" by now?
The more energy that you waste on this conspiracy theory is better for Trump. How about some soul-searching as to the real reasons that Trump won, and what policy change can be made to win back the former base of the D party that went for Trump in key states?
3
i'd say this whole thing is a distraction, a beard, a con to make Trump look like he is independent of Russian influence, rather than a lackey in debt to Russian oligarchs. I mean, what has this cost the Russians? Anything real?
I am uncertain why anyone would have whiplash regarding Trump and Putin.. This is all a show being put on by Trump and Putin to distract people to whats going on.. Sad.....
3
As usual, the NYT & other media play right into Trump's game. You could have at least titled the article 'Trump's APPARENT shift'. Why is there such uninterrupted parroting of Trump's agenda, throughout his campaign & on into his so-called governing. It's remarkable, really. And dismaying.
23
"Geopolitical whiplash" - the most important ingredient in the recipe for the next global war. And a generous dose of incompetence and dishonesty and stir very gently.
Trump is wagging the dog. What has he actually done, other than expending a lot of money on Tomahawk missiles? He destroyed some planes, which are easy to replace. According to military briefing, he conscientiously avoided destroying the runway the Russian-made Syrian plane used to take off when it left to drop the Sarin munition on the beautiful Syrian babies. Wouldn't want to seriously inconvenience his Russian friends who are stationed at the same base. This is Politico-Military theater, intended to distraçt from headlines about Russian influence in the US election, and beyond.
Trump is a marketing guy, period. He loved having a working relationship with Putin to meet his marketing goals. Now Trump is using Putin to help his new marketing goals, distract the American public from the ongoing Russia investigation. Trump has no foreign policy strategy, no matter how many of his supporters and the members of Republican Party wants to tell us. This is yet again, another marketing ploy by Trump. The problem is, Trump is perfectly capable of taking us to war, if the market indicators are just right...for him.
1
And he will. His ability to cause irreparable damage will continue until stopped by the FBI on his complicity with Russia
Who knew that the Russians could be such bad actors? Foreign policy is really complicated!
2
Geopolitical whiplash? More like mainstream media whiplash. The rest of us understood Trump's clear-headedness all along.
Clear headedness? Surely you are being sarcastic?
4
TIMES, you need to look up the word DISAVOW.
It has been very useful for everything trump is involved with and he or his spkespeople have used to great advantage. DO NOT get suckered in by a sudden twitch of the head BECAUSE trump is NOT making the choices--he does not have the mental capacity to do this. He is still the puppet and who has pulled the strings this week could be Mattis or someone else, clearly not bannon. He is clueless.
It has been very useful for everything trump is involved with and he or his spkespeople have used to great advantage. DO NOT get suckered in by a sudden twitch of the head BECAUSE trump is NOT making the choices--he does not have the mental capacity to do this. He is still the puppet and who has pulled the strings this week could be Mattis or someone else, clearly not bannon. He is clueless.
1
I think the cyber-attack against Veterans Today emanating from Fort Huachuca is evidence that the Deep State wants to keep this False Flag a secret. White House hawks want an escalation against Assad and Hezbollah. Pompeo is skeptical, and the hawks are circling.
1
The change is that he is acting on and speaking to the objective reality in this one case, instead of the alternate reality he has been acting on and speaking to. This is the very first time he has done so since he started running.
This does not change any of the shady things Trump is hiding in his tax returns and by distracting the public and having his people sabotage the Congressional investigations.
This does not change any of the shady things Trump is hiding in his tax returns and by distracting the public and having his people sabotage the Congressional investigations.
1
Trump Fake Bombed (albeit using real missiles and wasting real dollars) an airstrip in Syria. The airstrip remains functional. Russia was alerted about the impending Fake Bombing. No Russians killed. No Russian military assets damaged or destroyed. Putin postures, and refuses to see Secretary of State Tillerson in Moscow.
Where is the shift? What was Trump's posture on Russia last week? Positive? On what basis? Trump flattering Putin? Putin flattering Trump? Anything else?
Is Trump now negative on Russia? On what basis? A Fake Bombing, and some verbal posturing? Anything else?
Shift? No. Bullshift? Probably. Tune in next week.
Irresponsible reporting and analysis? Let's be polite: Extreme extrapolation.
Where is the shift? What was Trump's posture on Russia last week? Positive? On what basis? Trump flattering Putin? Putin flattering Trump? Anything else?
Is Trump now negative on Russia? On what basis? A Fake Bombing, and some verbal posturing? Anything else?
Shift? No. Bullshift? Probably. Tune in next week.
Irresponsible reporting and analysis? Let's be polite: Extreme extrapolation.
We did we continue to hope for stable behaviour from an unstable "leader?"
For a year now I've been in the ranks of those who condemn Trump's "unpredictability." But after watching him for these past few months and sifting through his words and actions, I've changed my tune. Trump is completely, reliably predictable in one key aspect: He always and only does and says things that he thinks will benefit him personally. He predictably does this even though it might be a complete u-turn from a previous statement/action a short time ago. I can't think of a single time in which he might have done otherwise.
26
The mind boggles at the number of possible conspiracy theories suggested by everything Trump/Putin (TP - a perfect acronym). Was the election collusion simply joining forces to defeat a common enemy (Hillary)? Was Trump friendly to Putin because he was being blackmailed? Was this whole Syrian thing a sham show concocted by Putin, with no real damage inflicted? Is the whole purpose to make it look like they are enemies so that when Putin exposes the blackmail information on Trump people will think it is fake?
Unfortunately, ALL of those conspiracy theories are more benign than the probable truth, which is that Trump is a loose cannon whose ego will unleash the next big war.
Unfortunately, ALL of those conspiracy theories are more benign than the probable truth, which is that Trump is a loose cannon whose ego will unleash the next big war.
Eric Trump, James Murdoch wants his foam pie back.
As much as one hates to admit this: The evidence is pointing to the military industrial complex and the deep state re-asserting themselves on the elected government to re-impose a permanent state of war between the US and its adversaries, real or imagined. For all of Trump's nuttiness, sometimes an odd kernel of truth occasionally pokes up from his daily pile of Twitter doodoo; and his desire for accommodation with Russia is one of them. Assad may be a brutal dictator, but he is part of Russia's strategic alliance that provides its fleet with access to warm water ports, so it's understandable that they will go to bat for him. Not unlike the US supporting the brutal theocracy of Saudi Arabia who happens to also commit atrocities against civilians in Yemen that deserve condemnation. The pot and the kettle are just as black on any given day.
2
I'm left with this: nothing means anything. Trump acts on impulse. Tomorrow he may do this or that.................and the next day? We are talking Sonny not Michael.
This doesn't mean that there is no Russian connection. Putin may own Trump (in Putin's mind), but being owned by debt or by sexual blackmail will not determine Trump's actions. It just means that Putin bought an irrational, childish, ignorant old man with the impulse control of a two-year-old.
Keep a close eye on the people closest to Trump. They are the handlers trying to aim this addled old man in particular directions.
This doesn't mean that there is no Russian connection. Putin may own Trump (in Putin's mind), but being owned by debt or by sexual blackmail will not determine Trump's actions. It just means that Putin bought an irrational, childish, ignorant old man with the impulse control of a two-year-old.
Keep a close eye on the people closest to Trump. They are the handlers trying to aim this addled old man in particular directions.
1
Who is Eric trump and why do we need his opinion on anything?
2
There is a calculus that people use in managing their confrontations/negotiations: how much to be unpredictable vs. how much to be reliable. I'd not be surprised at all if Trump likes being unpredictable as a style. Events in geopolitics frequently include somebody doing something unpredictable, whether JFK's blockade of Cuba, Reagan's illegal funding of Nicaraguan Contras with money from selling arms to Iran, Truman's airlift to maintain a "free" Berlin, or Wilson's shifting course and deploying US troops 100 years ago to make the world free for democracy. I don't like dealing with unpredictable people in my partnerships, nor do business people like unpredictable business climates, nor do I wish upon us and future generations "Climate Chaos" from unregulated CO2 emissions since if the farmers can't predict the weather we are all in trouble. But some unpredictability in geopolitics can have merit - unless the US unpredictable leaves our "friends" around the world standing high and dry because helping them got too dicey, as with Bay of Pigs and dozens of other betrayals that are black marks on our history. That said, I hate the US acting alone as the world's "policeman" - both US and Russia should be working solely through the UN to bring peace to Syria, Israel, and everywhere else. These unliateral actions by the US and Russia are Cold War relics we don't need, nor do the citizens who become pawns in the big chess game with ruined lives.
"geopolitical whiplash"?
Another term for destabilizing the last, tattered vestiges of the world order and fomenting worldwide instability?
Another term for destabilizing the last, tattered vestiges of the world order and fomenting worldwide instability?
1
In all the discussions about Donald Trump's presidency and the surprise that people profess at his changes of direction, one phrase seems conspicuously lacking. One of the first terms I learned in sales was 'bait and switch'.
1
Trump's "bold" missile strike has Putin's name written all over it. Good smokescreen for obfuscating Trump/Putin relationship and has the added bonus of giving administration an excuse for new "bad" relationship with Russia. Sure, Tillerson can't get a meeting....
Putin has not only been able to high jack our election, landing us with a moron and his motley gang of, well words fail me, but put our already inept president in an untenable situation in the Middle East which almost makes it a foregone conclusion that to keep up the charade Trumpy will have to do it again. All to the detriment, again, to our standing in the world community. Putin couldn't have done a better job of of hamstringing an administration that is perfectly able to do all by themselves....
Spicer anyone?
Putin has not only been able to high jack our election, landing us with a moron and his motley gang of, well words fail me, but put our already inept president in an untenable situation in the Middle East which almost makes it a foregone conclusion that to keep up the charade Trumpy will have to do it again. All to the detriment, again, to our standing in the world community. Putin couldn't have done a better job of of hamstringing an administration that is perfectly able to do all by themselves....
Spicer anyone?
1
“If there was anything that Syria did, it was to validate the fact that there is no Russia tie,” said Eric Trump, the president’s son'
This kind of proves that there is a Russia tie, IMO. That and validate that the Trump family has 0 compassion or conscience. "If there was anything Syria did", it was kill a bunch of people in an egregiously painful way that should not stand.
This kind of proves that there is a Russia tie, IMO. That and validate that the Trump family has 0 compassion or conscience. "If there was anything Syria did", it was kill a bunch of people in an egregiously painful way that should not stand.
1
Please do not believe or get distracted. When Trump does not like the news, he changes the subject. Anyone remember his early morning erratic tweet of March 4th which was based on lies that he saw in faux (fox) news. Fool me once shame on me, fool me twice shame on me!
1
Don't be fooled by any of this "stagecraft" by Trump and company. Trump and others close to him have long been involved with Putin and his criminal network of oligarchs in Russia.
2
Or it could well be this is a ruse between Putin and Trump in order to get the story off the front pages about Russia influencing the 2016 Election. But then you have to admit that this type of subtly is usually beyond Trump's range.
This is yet more political Kabuki theater from the Trump White House. "Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain!"
The whole business with Syria is absurd. Russian analysts won't admit that Assad launched chemical weapons. They are not about to allow Syria to fall to ISIS right on their own border where Chechins and other militant groups who oppose Moscow are entrenched. Not only that, the Russian Mediterranean fleet is based in Syria. If Assad falls, poof! there goes their seaports. If Trump doesn't know this, he is a bigger fool than we already thought.
So Tillerson may go and tell Putin to abandon Assad. Putin will say "Nyet!" and then Trump will once again have egg on his face.
Alternative scenario: Tillerson tells Putin, "You know I have to make a lot of noise about Assad to support Eric Trump's contention that doing this will prove that we have no Russian connection. So play along, and after I leave you can go back to whatever you were doing in Syria."
Added to all this is the fact that we all suspect that Putin has personal financial leverage over Trump, making his room for action very limited.
The whole business with Syria is absurd. Russian analysts won't admit that Assad launched chemical weapons. They are not about to allow Syria to fall to ISIS right on their own border where Chechins and other militant groups who oppose Moscow are entrenched. Not only that, the Russian Mediterranean fleet is based in Syria. If Assad falls, poof! there goes their seaports. If Trump doesn't know this, he is a bigger fool than we already thought.
So Tillerson may go and tell Putin to abandon Assad. Putin will say "Nyet!" and then Trump will once again have egg on his face.
Alternative scenario: Tillerson tells Putin, "You know I have to make a lot of noise about Assad to support Eric Trump's contention that doing this will prove that we have no Russian connection. So play along, and after I leave you can go back to whatever you were doing in Syria."
Added to all this is the fact that we all suspect that Putin has personal financial leverage over Trump, making his room for action very limited.
3
"coziness" is a misrepresentation QED
I don't understand why heads are spinning. The reason is obvious. The missile strike is a political calculation to to consolidate his GOP base behind Trump by getting tough on Syria and Russia. Trump is attempting to distance himself from the notion that he's Putin's stooge and his campaign was aided and abetted by the war criminal Putin.
Notice Trump's choice of language -- "child of God" -- when describing the reason for the missile strike. This language is from a man who has never shown any empathy towards those suffering, particularly war refugees. If the images of refugee children washed up on the beaches of Spain, Italy and Greece cannot move him, then the suffering of Syrian children in Syria will not move his stone heart.
The ledger will now show Trump is willing to risk American blood and has used American treasure and prestige for his own political ends. Time for impeachment.
Notice Trump's choice of language -- "child of God" -- when describing the reason for the missile strike. This language is from a man who has never shown any empathy towards those suffering, particularly war refugees. If the images of refugee children washed up on the beaches of Spain, Italy and Greece cannot move him, then the suffering of Syrian children in Syria will not move his stone heart.
The ledger will now show Trump is willing to risk American blood and has used American treasure and prestige for his own political ends. Time for impeachment.
As friends and family gathered last weekend for our usual Saturday dinner the conversation eventually came around to Trump.
Most concerning to all is Trump's ties to Russia, because having a President and White House that does not see Putin for what he truly is jeopardizes and impacts everything. While having a President and White House that actually works with Putin puts us all on the fast train to a dictatorship and war.
Putin and Trump have demonstrated some common traits, they are both habitual and pathological liars. Trump is also backed into a corner with his Russian connections, which are everywhere. This makes Trump, who clearly has no idea what he, or his team are doing, very untrustworthy and dangerous.
Trump at a crossroads, despite only being President for a few short months. He can continue to lie, manipulate, and deceive while supporting an insane populous agenda based on false facts, which marches the faithful towards fascism. Or he could turn, out of a desire not to go down in history as the President that brought America to its knees.
Our conversation turned to; what if Trump became a force for good. What if he used the strategies and tactics that got him elected against Putin and the true problems facing America; climate change, economic imbalances, innovation gaps. What a great President that would be.
We all laughed, Trump only cares about Trump, and Putin is the guy who will promise him the world. What are the chances Trump would say no? None!
Most concerning to all is Trump's ties to Russia, because having a President and White House that does not see Putin for what he truly is jeopardizes and impacts everything. While having a President and White House that actually works with Putin puts us all on the fast train to a dictatorship and war.
Putin and Trump have demonstrated some common traits, they are both habitual and pathological liars. Trump is also backed into a corner with his Russian connections, which are everywhere. This makes Trump, who clearly has no idea what he, or his team are doing, very untrustworthy and dangerous.
Trump at a crossroads, despite only being President for a few short months. He can continue to lie, manipulate, and deceive while supporting an insane populous agenda based on false facts, which marches the faithful towards fascism. Or he could turn, out of a desire not to go down in history as the President that brought America to its knees.
Our conversation turned to; what if Trump became a force for good. What if he used the strategies and tactics that got him elected against Putin and the true problems facing America; climate change, economic imbalances, innovation gaps. What a great President that would be.
We all laughed, Trump only cares about Trump, and Putin is the guy who will promise him the world. What are the chances Trump would say no? None!
1
When personal interests conflict with geopolitical realities, perhaps geopolitical realities still win out, even in the Trump White House.
Putin's investment in Trump is not paying off - on this one.
Isn't this switcheroo perfectly in keeping with Trump's past behaviors as a businessman and civic presence...
Years of brave proclamations about the health of his business properties only to be later bankrupted...
Years of outspoken newspaper ads, press conferences, hotel/casino launches, etc., followed by retractions, blame-shifting, and "Boogey-manning" for his failures.
And, now, Tweets-a-plenty (lacking backing in fact or grounding in reality), followed by mansplaining, fact-bending, just plain lying and shifts from Putin-respecting to Putin-threatening.
What it all comes down to is a man and a regime with virtually no principles other than keeping Mr. Trump's hands as clean as possible...
Yet, all one needs do is look at his shoes (and check the shovel in his hands) to see where he's been...cause, despite his best efforts, he has "stepped in it," again and again and again.
Years of brave proclamations about the health of his business properties only to be later bankrupted...
Years of outspoken newspaper ads, press conferences, hotel/casino launches, etc., followed by retractions, blame-shifting, and "Boogey-manning" for his failures.
And, now, Tweets-a-plenty (lacking backing in fact or grounding in reality), followed by mansplaining, fact-bending, just plain lying and shifts from Putin-respecting to Putin-threatening.
What it all comes down to is a man and a regime with virtually no principles other than keeping Mr. Trump's hands as clean as possible...
Yet, all one needs do is look at his shoes (and check the shovel in his hands) to see where he's been...cause, despite his best efforts, he has "stepped in it," again and again and again.
The Trump admin has thus far provided the most stressful political climate of my 42 years (during over 30 of which I've been relatively well-informed and aware). I can't remember ever caring and worrying so much about my country's future...Even on 9/11 or during the Iraq disaster or the horrid economic downturn of 2009, I always had faith in America's underlying strength and character. Now my doubts and misgivings are deeper than I ever expected they could be.
For the first time ever, I truly feel America is in an existential crisis due to internal forces, and by the time most Americans realize this, it will be too late. This isn't just politics as usual; this is a disaster in the making. I do not trust a single character in this administration or the Congressional majority. That's also a first for me, and here's another: for the first time in my adult life, the thought of writing that check to the IRS this year turns my stomach. Right now, my government is not worthy of my financial support. Call it sedition if you will, I really don't care.
For the first time ever, I truly feel America is in an existential crisis due to internal forces, and by the time most Americans realize this, it will be too late. This isn't just politics as usual; this is a disaster in the making. I do not trust a single character in this administration or the Congressional majority. That's also a first for me, and here's another: for the first time in my adult life, the thought of writing that check to the IRS this year turns my stomach. Right now, my government is not worthy of my financial support. Call it sedition if you will, I really don't care.
158
I'm 42 and have been well informed for 30 years also... and this is the most content I've been as a political observer in my lifetime.
Your 'the sky is falling' meme is juvenile and pathetic.
Cheers
Your 'the sky is falling' meme is juvenile and pathetic.
Cheers
Peter, Peter, Peter, how easily you are fooled. Trump and Putin aren't clashing. Haley is a loose cannon with coordination with Trump. Tillerson is just part of the game. Notice how cool Putin is with all this. He knows he's in control.
5
Its the swallowing of this story by a paper as erudite as the New York Times that falls galls me. As I stated a few days ago, Trump will eventually speak about Russia's role. Russia will act all aggrieved. Putin will meet Tillerson, remember they are friends.
If you like soap operas and scripted distractions, keep watching! Its sad.
If you like soap operas and scripted distractions, keep watching! Its sad.
1
Delightful, you are right.
I meant to say Haley has no coordination with Trump, just a total loose cannon.
I meant to say Haley has no coordination with Trump, just a total loose cannon.
Leave it to the media to normalize this traitor. Don't be one of them NYT.
3
Isn't this basic Trump 101? Blame someone else? Distract? Obfuscate? Deny, deny, deny. I don't think I'm alone in believing that the attack on the Syrian airbase was just to divert attention from the investigation into Trump's ties to Russia and Putin in connection with the election. Reminds me of that old saying, "Even a blind pig finds an acorn occasionally." So, Trump happens to get one thing right - admittedly, that's one more than Sean Spicer - but don't attribute to anything noble. It was purely an act of self-preservation by Trump. I hope he enjoys his "acorn" moment.
2
I've been trying to keep a running list of countries Trump has offended. Pretty soon I'll need to start counting in continents but here's what I have so far.
In no particular order:
Mexico
France
Germany
Sweden
United Kingdom
Bosnia
Herzegovina
Greece
Turkey
Morocco
Mauritania
Senegal
Gambia
Guinea
Guinea Bissau
Sierra Leone
Burkina Faso
Mali
Niger
Chad
Sudan
Egypt
Libya
Algeria
Somalia
Yemen
Oman
Saudi Arabia
Iraq
Jordan
Syria
Lebanon
Palestine
Iran
Azerbaijan
India
Pakistan
Afghanistan
Turkmenistan
Uzbekistan
Tajikstan
Kazakhstan
Kyrgyzstan
China
Bangladesh
Canada
Australia
Japan
Malaysia
New Zealand
Peru
Singapore
Vietnam
Indonesia
Taiwan
Philippines
South Korea
North Korea
At least half or the United States
And now Russia.
Am I missing anyone? The list is beginning to sound like Yakko's world song from Animaniacs. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x88Z5txBc7w
I guess this is one way to increase US global isolation but I don't think it's really what anyone had in mind.
In no particular order:
Mexico
France
Germany
Sweden
United Kingdom
Bosnia
Herzegovina
Greece
Turkey
Morocco
Mauritania
Senegal
Gambia
Guinea
Guinea Bissau
Sierra Leone
Burkina Faso
Mali
Niger
Chad
Sudan
Egypt
Libya
Algeria
Somalia
Yemen
Oman
Saudi Arabia
Iraq
Jordan
Syria
Lebanon
Palestine
Iran
Azerbaijan
India
Pakistan
Afghanistan
Turkmenistan
Uzbekistan
Tajikstan
Kazakhstan
Kyrgyzstan
China
Bangladesh
Canada
Australia
Japan
Malaysia
New Zealand
Peru
Singapore
Vietnam
Indonesia
Taiwan
Philippines
South Korea
North Korea
At least half or the United States
And now Russia.
Am I missing anyone? The list is beginning to sound like Yakko's world song from Animaniacs. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x88Z5txBc7w
I guess this is one way to increase US global isolation but I don't think it's really what anyone had in mind.
3
burkino fasa and chad
how he missed those 2 is a mystery
"the shift in tone in recent days did not mean there was not collusion during the election. “Everything we believed happened in the election could be true — Putin wanted him to be president "
Keep digging. Trump is as dirty as pig sty. Get his tax returns.
Keep digging. Trump is as dirty as pig sty. Get his tax returns.
3
This is just yet another, laughable example of the leftist political spectrum getting their shorts pulled up over their heads due to their own bias and bad analysis.
Mis-calling the election...and incredibly badly-so...was just the warmup for the next several years.
If you can't overcome your biases and report the news as it stands, you might consider going with the flow...and out of business. No one is buying your nonsense anymore.
Mis-calling the election...and incredibly badly-so...was just the warmup for the next several years.
If you can't overcome your biases and report the news as it stands, you might consider going with the flow...and out of business. No one is buying your nonsense anymore.
The only people who have "whiplash" are the ones who swallowed the propaganda pumped out by this paper and the media.
Any objective person who has followed this administration's actions since it took office has seen that it has taken a series of initiatives that were against Russia's interest:
- rearming the military
- getting Nato members to increase military spending
- increasing oil production
- condemning Russian actions in the UN
Trump as "Putin's Poodle" has been a lie all along
Any objective person who has followed this administration's actions since it took office has seen that it has taken a series of initiatives that were against Russia's interest:
- rearming the military
- getting Nato members to increase military spending
- increasing oil production
- condemning Russian actions in the UN
Trump as "Putin's Poodle" has been a lie all along
Trump's "shift" on Russian leaves heads spinning?
I don't think so.
Looks to me like he'll do most anything to shake the congressional wolfhounds off his trail. And get a bigger budget for our military contractors.
Please NYTimes, keep digging and reporting until we have the FULL story.
The only head I see spinning is Brian Williams' orgasmic rapture at watching those cruise missiles being fired. It's sickening.
I don't think so.
Looks to me like he'll do most anything to shake the congressional wolfhounds off his trail. And get a bigger budget for our military contractors.
Please NYTimes, keep digging and reporting until we have the FULL story.
The only head I see spinning is Brian Williams' orgasmic rapture at watching those cruise missiles being fired. It's sickening.
4
The media has deluded itself into the notion that Trump and Putin have a nefarious understanding between themselves and that Putin somehow arranged it so Trump could win the election. Only the credulous believe this tripe. Trump and most of his base admire Putin insofar as he is a man in a man's world. Nothing more, nothing less. The Democrats and the media are unutterably able to comprehend this in all its simplicity because the feminists hijacked both the party and the media years ago.
1
Buckle up. The guy at the wheel of this bus has no idea how to drive, where he's going or how to get there. There's a crash in our future, probably sooner rather than later.
2
Whacko. He has a bad observing ego and cares little about being consistent. More crucially, he has no idea of the power of his office. If not careful--and he is not careful--his power can be an influence for the bad instead of an appeal to what is good and decent. Giving conflicting signals every other day will denigrate this nation and the world.
Eric Trump says Trump's 180-degree on Russia proves there was no collusion with Russia to swing the election. No, Eric, it doesn't prove anything at all -- other than "the fact" that Mr. Trump can be your buddy today, and cut you loose tomorrow if he thinks it will make him look better. He has a long history of playing screw-your-buddy.
And as for speculation, I've never really bought the "puppet" thing, but it sure seems likely that Trump and his campaign people were happy to dangle relaxing the Obama sanctions in exchange for helping win the election.
And as for speculation, I've never really bought the "puppet" thing, but it sure seems likely that Trump and his campaign people were happy to dangle relaxing the Obama sanctions in exchange for helping win the election.
1
Only folks surprised by Trump's approach to Russia in Syria are those who have bought into the narrative that the President was placed in the White House by his puppet master V. Putin.
"Even though some question the president’s approach to Russia, Eric Trump said his father would not be “pushed around” by Mr. Putin. “He is not a guy who gets intimidated,” he said."
Neither is Putin easily intimidated. Trump would be wise to realize that he is dealing with a tough, wily leader with a great deal of experience in the international arena, with a growing and sophisticated military capability.
The West is trying to separate the states on the periphery of the former Soviet Union from Russian influence. The US has positioned troops and weapons from the Baltic states to Poland. Putin is not buying it.
If there is a WWIII or some other conflict in that region, it won't come as the result of actions in Syria, but rather from the US and NATO pushing its luck in Russia's border regions.
Neither is Putin easily intimidated. Trump would be wise to realize that he is dealing with a tough, wily leader with a great deal of experience in the international arena, with a growing and sophisticated military capability.
The West is trying to separate the states on the periphery of the former Soviet Union from Russian influence. The US has positioned troops and weapons from the Baltic states to Poland. Putin is not buying it.
If there is a WWIII or some other conflict in that region, it won't come as the result of actions in Syria, but rather from the US and NATO pushing its luck in Russia's border regions.
What to do, what to do -- if you're the New York Times?
You've long purveyed an evidence-free view of Trump as Putin's pusillanimous lap dog. You're pressed hard for US military intervention in Syria. You've made clear your strong preference for Hillary Clinton and her hawkish views.
Suddenly, the lap dog bites his master's hand and behaves nearly as hawkishly as Hillary.
What to do?
Easy enough.
Lest anyone mistakenly think that you and Trump have become BFFs, you impugn Trump's motives and insist that he's going about it all wrong. You assure readers that Trump is simply trying to make people think he's not still Putin's lap dog, but he still is. You point out that Trump warned the Russians (who presumably warned the Syrians), so that Trump's "attack" had no measurable impact. You express doubt that Trump will follow through, explaining in detail what "follow through" would mean -- i.e. recognizing that Trump is now your best tool to get the US embroiled in yet another Middle East war, and that he undoubtedly will benefit from your guidance on how to go about that. You run numerous articles, for example, arguing that "One missile attack does not a policy make," and insist that Trump is the same inconsistent blithering idiot that he was last week and thus needs your policy help -- wishing all the while, of course, that Hillary had won -- even though she'd be shooting down Russian planes by now, at least if she hadn't flip-flopped on her "no fly zone" vow.
You've long purveyed an evidence-free view of Trump as Putin's pusillanimous lap dog. You're pressed hard for US military intervention in Syria. You've made clear your strong preference for Hillary Clinton and her hawkish views.
Suddenly, the lap dog bites his master's hand and behaves nearly as hawkishly as Hillary.
What to do?
Easy enough.
Lest anyone mistakenly think that you and Trump have become BFFs, you impugn Trump's motives and insist that he's going about it all wrong. You assure readers that Trump is simply trying to make people think he's not still Putin's lap dog, but he still is. You point out that Trump warned the Russians (who presumably warned the Syrians), so that Trump's "attack" had no measurable impact. You express doubt that Trump will follow through, explaining in detail what "follow through" would mean -- i.e. recognizing that Trump is now your best tool to get the US embroiled in yet another Middle East war, and that he undoubtedly will benefit from your guidance on how to go about that. You run numerous articles, for example, arguing that "One missile attack does not a policy make," and insist that Trump is the same inconsistent blithering idiot that he was last week and thus needs your policy help -- wishing all the while, of course, that Hillary had won -- even though she'd be shooting down Russian planes by now, at least if she hadn't flip-flopped on her "no fly zone" vow.
1
The Times, with its obsessive Resist! coverage, still doesn't get it, even after it blew the election. Trump is not a Democrat, a Republican, or a Russian puppet. Love him or hate him, he's Trump.
The President is known for his desire to even the score and avenge any sight in kind, so I wouldn't see this new "toughness" as anything other than a Dear John letter to Mr. Putin.
As others have written, eyes on the prize. The media needs to keep following the investigation into foreign collusion and keep it in the public's eyes and mind.
As others have written, eyes on the prize. The media needs to keep following the investigation into foreign collusion and keep it in the public's eyes and mind.
1
I wholeheartedly agree with those who believe Mr. Trump undertook last week's bombing of Syria as a smokescreen (both literal and figurative) to try and fool people into believing that he is not beholden to/controlled by Mr. Putin.
The sudden outrage in Moscow feels staged. Mr. Putin is a well known master of setting new fires to try and distract attention from existing fires. This has long been Mr. Trump's style in life as well. And it works every time in a world of 24 hour news. In a world where most people have five minute attention spans, each new Putin or Trump distraction can be spun as "Breaking News" by CNN. There is seldom an effort to question the motive behind these distractions. They are catnip for Jeff Zucker. The real story of the Syrian bombings continues to be Donald Trump's desperate attempt to cling to an office which he may otherwise be forced to resign from in the coming months. Please do not let him get away with this.
The sudden outrage in Moscow feels staged. Mr. Putin is a well known master of setting new fires to try and distract attention from existing fires. This has long been Mr. Trump's style in life as well. And it works every time in a world of 24 hour news. In a world where most people have five minute attention spans, each new Putin or Trump distraction can be spun as "Breaking News" by CNN. There is seldom an effort to question the motive behind these distractions. They are catnip for Jeff Zucker. The real story of the Syrian bombings continues to be Donald Trump's desperate attempt to cling to an office which he may otherwise be forced to resign from in the coming months. Please do not let him get away with this.
3
Again:
Wag the dog.
Wag the dog.
5
“If there was anything that Syria did, it was to validate the fact that there is no Russia tie,” said Eric Trump, the president’s son. Hmmm... Does this sound just a bit too perfect to anyone? Why would his father and the rest of his administration suddenly turn on Putin after singing his praises for so long. Perhaps because the whole thing has been staged as a HUGE distraction.
1
"Mr. Morrell said on Tuesday that despite calling Mr. Trump a virtual Russian agent, he always believed Russian behavior would lead to a parting of the ways."
Sure he did!!
That's okay, NYT. If NPR and the WSJ can resurrect Paul Wolfowitz, why can't the Times continue life support for a minor leaguer like Michael Morrell.
Sure he did!!
That's okay, NYT. If NPR and the WSJ can resurrect Paul Wolfowitz, why can't the Times continue life support for a minor leaguer like Michael Morrell.
Trump:
"Morning vladimir. Hey listen the gas attack has these American idiots all up in arms. I am going to be sending in a bunch of cruise missiles to placate them so clear out the base so we can give my idiot base a show."
Putin:
"Sure thing my boy. Hey, will this derail the investigation into our collusion during the election?"
Trump:
"It sure will. Comey's an idiot. And the rest of US intelligence is, as I said, just like the Nazis."
Comey:
"Did we record that?"
FBI Agent:
"We sure did."
Comey:
"Good add it to the pile."
"Morning vladimir. Hey listen the gas attack has these American idiots all up in arms. I am going to be sending in a bunch of cruise missiles to placate them so clear out the base so we can give my idiot base a show."
Putin:
"Sure thing my boy. Hey, will this derail the investigation into our collusion during the election?"
Trump:
"It sure will. Comey's an idiot. And the rest of US intelligence is, as I said, just like the Nazis."
Comey:
"Did we record that?"
FBI Agent:
"We sure did."
Comey:
"Good add it to the pile."
1
People, people people. Donald Trump shows all signs of having such low affect and devoid of any ethics - the perfect storm to develop pathological thoughts, feelings and beliefs - otherwise known as a psychopath. Your confusion is you expect consistency in what he says. The consistency you will find is in how he acts, and based on this understanding, of course he is bombing Syria and being oppositional. Being unreliable is the calling card of the psychopath, because most of the fun, and believe me, this is what fun looks like for a psychopath, is being unpredictable. So is sensation seeking - psychopaths have low life value. Seriously, they have low affect, which means they literally do not feel as much as the normal human. As a result, they tend to push the envelope to experience feeling. Low affect - he even has fewer tastebuds - thick skinned - compelled to experience dominion. This person is not driven by profit or principle, he is driven by sensation. Psychopaths are also extremely insecure/paranoid, so insecure they literally are incapable of seeing themselves as accountable for their actions - hence the scapegoating. Please, people, study up on the nature of the psychopath. It's a combination of genetics and upbringing - it isn't technically a sign of mental illness, but it is an indication that this person is not operating based on the constitution. Also, it tells you this person does not care what you think - pressure is not a consequence.
1
What's the confusion NY Times. He is doing what he always does-anything outrageous to change the conversation and you fall for it every time. There was little damage from the bombing, they were warned. Puffing their chests to show us there is no collusion. So gullible of you.
Poor Pootie.
Next time he'll think a little longer before he tries to rig our elections.
Next time he'll think a little longer before he tries to rig our elections.
2
"Eric Trump said his father would not be 'pushed around' by Mr. Putin." On the other hand, as Eric noted, a few words from his sister moved their father to order the United States to make a military attack. So in addition to worrying about Bannon and Putin pulling the president's strings we also have to contend with the fact that his kids are running things - at the most serious levels imaginable - as he stumbles through each and every day.
2
Eric Trump said his father would not be “pushed around” by Mr. Putin. “He is not a guy who gets intimidated,” he said.
Given this family's pettiness, intellectual vacuousness, greed, amoral personalities, among many a similar endearing quality, I read his statement as essentially saying " my dad can beat up you dad".
I see not even one hint of anything that suggests the Trump family can rise to a level above the gutter, despite living in penthouse suites. Soon, in my assessment, their mucky foot & fingerprints will turn up in the Russian maliscious meddling of our elections, our country.
Given this family's pettiness, intellectual vacuousness, greed, amoral personalities, among many a similar endearing quality, I read his statement as essentially saying " my dad can beat up you dad".
I see not even one hint of anything that suggests the Trump family can rise to a level above the gutter, despite living in penthouse suites. Soon, in my assessment, their mucky foot & fingerprints will turn up in the Russian maliscious meddling of our elections, our country.
3
If we know Trump and his supporters are idiots, Putin must also think they are worse than morons and easily played. Trump is a chump in Putin's eyes!
1
FBI:
"Duh, well it looks like we can stop all investigations into putin/trump collusion. His attack in Syria proves he isn't in collusion with russia. Okay, close up the investigation. Trump is obviously innocent.".
This is what trump, tillerson, bannon, miller, kushner and the rest of the trump brain trust must think.
Are these people children?
"Duh, well it looks like we can stop all investigations into putin/trump collusion. His attack in Syria proves he isn't in collusion with russia. Okay, close up the investigation. Trump is obviously innocent.".
This is what trump, tillerson, bannon, miller, kushner and the rest of the trump brain trust must think.
Are these people children?
Mr Trump is a predictable man. Insinuate he is a lap dog and he'l do the opposite to prove his manhood. He's all about aggression display and keeping his opponent of balance.
Read the Art of War and understand Roy Cohn, Esq. and you can play Trump like a fiddle.
And believe me, our enemies will. And as a result, we are going to be in war.
Read the Art of War and understand Roy Cohn, Esq. and you can play Trump like a fiddle.
And believe me, our enemies will. And as a result, we are going to be in war.
Trump shifted nothing. All he wants is money from the $500 billion Exxon/Russia Arctic oil development deal. Claiming to suddenly be hostile to Russia is just fakery. How can the author, or the Times, not see this?
47
He hardly needs the money.
I don't believe it for a second. Trump just made the statement today that despite all that's happened, he's not going into Syria for any other reason than to fight ISIS, and Tillerson described the strike as a "one-off" in response to the chemical attack. His red-line is no different from Obama's; he's not going to do anything else about Assad but chastise him from afar while continuing to hob-nob with Russia behind the scenes. The Syrian army will continue to butcher civilians unchecked so long as they don't use gas, and refugees will continue to pour in. This was just another case of the tail wagging the dog; another deadly distraction from the hacking scandal.
65
It does not disprove conspiracy theories, nor distract conspiracy theorists from them.
There isn't even anything there. There is no one policy.
Rival factions around Trump are vying for his attention.
Trump himself is more a ball in a pinball machine than a decision maker in that contest, because he lacks what it takes to choose rather than react.
So what does it "mean?" Nothing. "It" isn't even there, it is not settled yet.
There isn't even anything there. There is no one policy.
Rival factions around Trump are vying for his attention.
Trump himself is more a ball in a pinball machine than a decision maker in that contest, because he lacks what it takes to choose rather than react.
So what does it "mean?" Nothing. "It" isn't even there, it is not settled yet.
5
The best predictor of one's future behavior, and not a terribly good one, is the individual's past behavior. One does not need to belabor Mr. Trumps plethora of traits (i.e., impulsivity, bullying, arrogance, etc., etc. ) so his current change of course vis-à-vis Russia is somewhat predictable given his make-up, but not terribly reassuring or likely he will change anytime soon or for that matter ever. His son's assertions that he is not easily intimidated makes me want to wretch - his tough-guy, blustery façade is brittle and his character is wanton and lacking with respect to the attributes one needs to be a successful or respected leader of anything, certainly not the head of state. It is increasingly apparent he has never worked well in situation where he does not get his own way or has been accountable to anyone other than the man in the mirror. This current version of the Trump world view and foreign policy will likely morph into something new and different in the next few weeks, and unfortunately it won't be anything other than the usual rants, self-aggrandizement, and moldy campaign ramblings.
5
remember how the Russians didn't retaliate when Obama kicked out their diplomats for interfering in our election? it was a sop to Trump. if the Russians are so upset about our bombing Syria, why aren't they summoning the ambassador - or doing anything that would indicate genuine pique? this whole thing is theater, curated no doubt by Putin's aide who specializes in precisely that.
3
Trump's indecision and direction changes pretty much distort his credibility not just for reasonable people, but his supporters feel double crossed on several issues. I guess Trump 2020 is becoming a pipe dream.
2
Times, let's not validate Trump's theater by acting as if it's based on some strategy or policy (other than what he discusses with Putin during their nightly chats). The man does not have a plan, and he's just making it up as he goes along.
Soon enough, the US and World will pay the price for handing over the reins to an ignorant one percenter whose only interests he seeks to protect are his own.
Soon enough, the US and World will pay the price for handing over the reins to an ignorant one percenter whose only interests he seeks to protect are his own.
102
Currently the world is paying the price from Obama's lack of leadership
I agree with the position that Russia a willing participant in this "Trump Strategy" re Syria. The Russia bad news cycle day after day could not have been positive news to Russia or Trump. It defies logic that Trump would only now come to the realization that Russia's backing of Assad "is bad for mankind". Couple that with the limited nature of the strike, The warning to Russia before the strike and Russia's relatively muted response, adds more fuel to the theory. The relatively minor damage to Syria property is well worth the distraction. If the use of chemical weapons were truly the game changer, why the limited strike? And, the ramped up rhetoric from the US toward Russia is not fooling me. All part of the plan.
2
Let's list some known facts:
- Trump was forced into the presidency by the electoral college. The voters did not want him. Current polls show that they still don't. That is painful to his egotistical personality.
- Trump is a facile, conniving, and unapologetic liar who told CBS 60 Minutes that "sometimes you have to use a certain rhetoric to get them motivated", basically admitting that he will say anything to gain support.
- Trump is hiding crucial information about his past, most significantly his tax returns and details of his foreign business activities.
- Trump is worried about the ongoing investigation into his Russian connections by the FBI and Congress. He has tried to distract investigators with lies (Obama wiretapped his communications) and disinformation (news of "leakers" handed to Devin Nunes for distribution).
Amidst all the reporting about Trump's motives in Syria, one point remains overlooked: he has launched an unprovoked military attack on a sovereign nation in violation of international law and without buy-in from Congress. It was a clear act of war.
Trustworthy and competent commanders-in-chief would not be so reckless. They would recognize their life-and-death responsibility and understand that once bombs start flying, the fog of war can obscure extremely deadly and lasting consequences.
It is alarming now to realize that for very likely personal, political reasons, the country is being led into the military murk by a bumbling fraud.
- Trump was forced into the presidency by the electoral college. The voters did not want him. Current polls show that they still don't. That is painful to his egotistical personality.
- Trump is a facile, conniving, and unapologetic liar who told CBS 60 Minutes that "sometimes you have to use a certain rhetoric to get them motivated", basically admitting that he will say anything to gain support.
- Trump is hiding crucial information about his past, most significantly his tax returns and details of his foreign business activities.
- Trump is worried about the ongoing investigation into his Russian connections by the FBI and Congress. He has tried to distract investigators with lies (Obama wiretapped his communications) and disinformation (news of "leakers" handed to Devin Nunes for distribution).
Amidst all the reporting about Trump's motives in Syria, one point remains overlooked: he has launched an unprovoked military attack on a sovereign nation in violation of international law and without buy-in from Congress. It was a clear act of war.
Trustworthy and competent commanders-in-chief would not be so reckless. They would recognize their life-and-death responsibility and understand that once bombs start flying, the fog of war can obscure extremely deadly and lasting consequences.
It is alarming now to realize that for very likely personal, political reasons, the country is being led into the military murk by a bumbling fraud.
10
Kabuki theater.
2
If I were charitable, I would repeat Obama's wisdom: you don't know what the office of POTUS looks like until you get there.
Trump's been "there" for a while, though. And I fear that he has no idea what comes next, that experience has taught him nothing. After all, he should have come to his stance on Russia after his first security briefing (to say nothing of forming conclusions based on what Putin has already done publicly). Presumptions of Trump's coherence or competence are therefore not given on his Russian policy or on any other part of governance.
Trump's been "there" for a while, though. And I fear that he has no idea what comes next, that experience has taught him nothing. After all, he should have come to his stance on Russia after his first security briefing (to say nothing of forming conclusions based on what Putin has already done publicly). Presumptions of Trump's coherence or competence are therefore not given on his Russian policy or on any other part of governance.
1
Classic misdirection.
9
Wake up, he is diverting attention away from Russia and US, working together before election.
5
American voters are the cat and Trump is just playing with the laser pointer again.
2
The maintenance or even intensification of economic sanctions on Russia, in conjunction with our democratic allies in Europe and Asia, is the one and only true test of Trump.
I'm very skeptical.
I'm very skeptical.
4
Punish Assad and Russia when the jihadis have used Chem Weapons ten times as many times as the regime? Seems self-defeating to this veteran.
@JM
You'd have to link me to some actual evidence of your assertion. Veteran or not.
You'd have to link me to some actual evidence of your assertion. Veteran or not.
Looks like the Trumpeter has NO world view on what should happen to keep peace on our side, doesn't this "so called" president know anything at all he is a disaster.
The federal government will be shutting down and he is golfing and spending more money taking him on air force one to Florida and protecting him while he golfs with the world damaging events he has created with his blustering foreign policy which seems NO ONE understands. We are also paying to protect his wife in NY and the NY police and secret service are exhausted from his and her trips and separate living locations! Trumpeter should be paying for his own security and transportation he doesn't care how he spends our money. Golfing with foreign leaders doesn't negotiate anything. We have selected a president who has taken advantage of all of us in his careless foreign policy, nepotism family hiring in the white house and his cat and house play with Russia and North Korea which can affect every human being in our world if North Korea or Russia go nuclear! This "so called president" needs another experienced x president like bush or Obama to come back and run the country this "so called president" is a major disaster in everything he does. GOD help US!!
The federal government will be shutting down and he is golfing and spending more money taking him on air force one to Florida and protecting him while he golfs with the world damaging events he has created with his blustering foreign policy which seems NO ONE understands. We are also paying to protect his wife in NY and the NY police and secret service are exhausted from his and her trips and separate living locations! Trumpeter should be paying for his own security and transportation he doesn't care how he spends our money. Golfing with foreign leaders doesn't negotiate anything. We have selected a president who has taken advantage of all of us in his careless foreign policy, nepotism family hiring in the white house and his cat and house play with Russia and North Korea which can affect every human being in our world if North Korea or Russia go nuclear! This "so called president" needs another experienced x president like bush or Obama to come back and run the country this "so called president" is a major disaster in everything he does. GOD help US!!
1
Geopolitical whiplash caused by President Trump. Well, clutch the pearls, who ever would have expected it.
4
Can you imagine how explosive RUSSIAGATE is, such that even Russia is playing along with the red-herrings. Must involve a great many wealthy people in both countries.
3
I am so sick of the the pussyfooting around Donald Trump. All the 'Allegedlys'. and apologetic talk around issues involving his name. Articles about how his nepotism 'may be a good thing'. This man has lied time and again. From day one with the 9/11 celebrating muslims in New Jersey to the 'largest inauguration turnout to the plageriized Melania speech. Flat out lies and falsehoods shoved down our throats. Yet again and again the MSM expect you to take the things he does and says seriously? We are all living in a hall of mirrors and the media is complicit. This man should not be here. He should have been taken down a long time ago. As an aside, he is the embodiment of white privilege.
2
Meanwhile, another leading paper has broken the story that yet another close Trump advisor had "close ties" to Russia, meeting(s) with a Russian spy, and that Page himself was under surveillance for suspected spy activities.
At some point, we may well wish our Founding Fathers had included a "no confidence" clause in our Constitution.
The possibility that an elected (okay, "elected") president would have so many close ties to our deadliest enemy is incredible. That this is the man who represents a party famous for going overboard decades ago in persecuting alleged "liberal" infiltrators (none found), and that elevated a former actor whose greatest accomplishment (according to some) was the final vanquishment of that same enemy… absolutely incredible.
At this point, even the most charitable observer cannot flinch from opining that we are a country populated by, at minimum, 63 million citizens that only can be described as fools, dupes, and idiots.
At some point, we may well wish our Founding Fathers had included a "no confidence" clause in our Constitution.
The possibility that an elected (okay, "elected") president would have so many close ties to our deadliest enemy is incredible. That this is the man who represents a party famous for going overboard decades ago in persecuting alleged "liberal" infiltrators (none found), and that elevated a former actor whose greatest accomplishment (according to some) was the final vanquishment of that same enemy… absolutely incredible.
At this point, even the most charitable observer cannot flinch from opining that we are a country populated by, at minimum, 63 million citizens that only can be described as fools, dupes, and idiots.
5
Is that how we do it here?
"'No evidence has emerged that proves collusion with Russia.' This may be true, but no evidence has emerged that suggests there was NOT collusion."
Absolutely! Unless Trump can prove he's innocent, he's guilty.
By the way, can you prove you're not colluding with the Russians? I heard you came back from lunch 10 minutes later than usual one day last week -- what was that all about?
"'No evidence has emerged that proves collusion with Russia.' This may be true, but no evidence has emerged that suggests there was NOT collusion."
Absolutely! Unless Trump can prove he's innocent, he's guilty.
By the way, can you prove you're not colluding with the Russians? I heard you came back from lunch 10 minutes later than usual one day last week -- what was that all about?
This is nothing more than political stagecraft to distract us from the obvious connections between the Trump campaign and Russia in stealing the election. The closer we get to the truth, the more the perpetrators are going to act to distract us, and given that the main players are Putin and Trump, we should expect their actions to be on the same order as more sarin gas attacks and more cruise missile attacks.
4
review our actions during the Cuban Missile Crises of 1962 and compare to our actions after the Syrian gas attack ,,,, Diplomacy anyone??
Convenient that Trump launches a strike against Syria, damages little, and appears to have taken a tough stance against Putin, just when the investigation into Trump's staff members' Russian connections before the election is heating up. Since then, Trump has been silent. Nothing has changed.
We have no foreign policy, we only have actions without thought to consequences of further miring us into the horror of Syria, by an egoist seeking to boost his popularity, deflect attention away from his Russian connections, and a press willing to hail the move as "presidential".
We have no foreign policy, we only have actions without thought to consequences of further miring us into the horror of Syria, by an egoist seeking to boost his popularity, deflect attention away from his Russian connections, and a press willing to hail the move as "presidential".
1
This was all pre-planned I bet -- Putin, Assad, .... It is way to bizarre to make sense of, otherwise. It is also a distraction from looking into election fraud, etc.
The press needs to stay focused on what matters; Sean Spicer's gaffes, and other matters must be limited to a side bar. There are a lot of matters that need to be investigated and reported....
The press needs to stay focused on what matters; Sean Spicer's gaffes, and other matters must be limited to a side bar. There are a lot of matters that need to be investigated and reported....
2
This is either the biggest diplomatic U-turn since Nixon-China or a brilliant bit of misdirection worthy of John le Carre's Karla. Sad and more than a little scary that it's not clear which it is.
1
Scary the White House fell for the White Helmets. These folks are jihadists in everything but name.
So, the president retaliated against Syria because his daughter got emotional, as we learned from Eric Trump. Well, IMO, the sons should remain silent because whenever they open their mouth it doesn't come out well. Genes, perhaps?
Liberal heads are not only spinning but positively giddy with anticipation that:
A murderous Sunni Muslim Caliphate run by ISIS, Al-Nusra and kindred terrorist organizations may finally be put in charge in Syria.
The hot war with Russia they've been brain-washed by the American mainstream media to pine for may become a reality.
Trump and the Republicans will self-immolate in pursuit of either or both of those two goals.
A murderous Sunni Muslim Caliphate run by ISIS, Al-Nusra and kindred terrorist organizations may finally be put in charge in Syria.
The hot war with Russia they've been brain-washed by the American mainstream media to pine for may become a reality.
Trump and the Republicans will self-immolate in pursuit of either or both of those two goals.
Fifteen hundred words on Trump and Putin, and not once are sanctions mentioned. I hate to have to break this to Mr. Baker, but that is very likely what the Russian support for Trump was about. And today we see that the G7 can't come to an agreement about Russian sanctions in the face of their support of Assad.
Mr. Baker would do well to follow the money, rather than the impulsive actions and meaningless words from the Toddler-in-Chief.
Mr. Baker would do well to follow the money, rather than the impulsive actions and meaningless words from the Toddler-in-Chief.
No human being, no matter how ignorant, stupid or "evil", is any of these things 24/7. They can often be charming, incisive and even correct from time to time. You can say the same for a genious or a humanitarian. Not always brilliant or nice. So stop wasting time putting every move or word from Trump under the microscope with the idea that one can conclude his quality as a leader or as a human being via the latest tweet or bombing.
Trump has a very clear public record going back decades showing his lack of character, intelligence, and empathy. and this is reinforced in his current behavior, cabinet picks, and policies.
Trump has a very clear public record going back decades showing his lack of character, intelligence, and empathy. and this is reinforced in his current behavior, cabinet picks, and policies.
The only people whose heads are spinning are those of left-wingers who fabricated the narrative of Trump as Putin's stooge and who now are shocked that reality has corrected them with a disorienting vengeance.
This sea change leads to nauseating sea sickness and not anything resembling clear policy. It is not convincing. Trump spent years cultivating Russian business relationships. He visited there with his beauty pageant and had some engagement with Putin at the time. Trump's circle including numerous people with close Russian ties which are presently under investigation. His son-in-law met twice with Russians after the election which he did not disclose in his request for high security clearance. About 10 Russian mobsters and money launderers bought units in one Trump building. Trump Tower itself has had some of the Russians that had shadowy connections. Trump's litany of praise for Putin no matter what happened was continuous across years. Trump himself isn't speaking much now, just those in his administration.
Current "policies" or rather one or two weeks of a change of attitude that casts a net of confusion over everything. What changes will occur next week, next month, next year? Law makers and diplomats and world leaders cannot make sense of this because it is senseless.
Where are Trump's taxes? They might give substance to claims about Russian investors. I like the idea that one expert suggested of individual states authorizing the release of the state tax returns of senior level politicians in their states. New York's state taxes would have a lot of the same information as federal tax returns. The investigation cannot be blocked by these maneuvers.
Current "policies" or rather one or two weeks of a change of attitude that casts a net of confusion over everything. What changes will occur next week, next month, next year? Law makers and diplomats and world leaders cannot make sense of this because it is senseless.
Where are Trump's taxes? They might give substance to claims about Russian investors. I like the idea that one expert suggested of individual states authorizing the release of the state tax returns of senior level politicians in their states. New York's state taxes would have a lot of the same information as federal tax returns. The investigation cannot be blocked by these maneuvers.
1
Syria, Iran and Russia have stated Trump and by complicity the United States, has crossed the line. Russia isn't one to not follow through with dealing with "line crossing". The question becomes how is the retaliation accomplished, how many Americans will die and how much will it cost the United States tax payers? While what Syria has done with chemical warfare, it isn't new...they have been doing it for years now. Babies were being killed then as well. Congress refused allow Obama to use force against Syria and even Trump stated many times that the US shouldn't attack Syria. But of course then, Trump, while working with Putin, tried to stop the US from attacking a Russian satellite, Now, Trump being a narcissist and trying to save himself from looking like he is a Putin puppet, stupidly he attacks Syria with no strategy and no plan.
2
Trump is not an America Patriot. His golf course in Scotland is likely his next home
1
People often look for some deep underlying causes of events when, in fact, what's on the surface is sufficient. The foundation of conspiracy theories is the belief that there must be some secret to the way the world operates. But there isn't. Trump colluded with Putin because Putin helped him to get elected out of spite against Hillary. Now he is angry at Putin for the chemical attack in Syria and is lashing out. That's all. There is no mysterious dossier, no hidden agenda, no long-term policy on either side. Liberals should stop inventing conspiracy theories or they will fall into the same black hole as alt-right. Some of the comments below are straight out of Breitbart.
The press and shallow thinkers are so easily fooled by Trump. Almost everybody loves a bombing show. What power! What decisiveness! Hard to believe he's smart enough to cook up that piece of misdirection but who knows, even a blind squirrel finds an acorn sometimes. Now how's that investigation coming along? Or is all forgiven - again?
How long has Bashar al-Assad been blowing up Syrian cities, and arresting, torturing and murdering Syrian civilians, all in the name of overthrowing ISIS? Has Trump not seen even a photograph of the rubble that was once Aleppo? Suddenly he awakens out of a dream and realizes that al-Assad is a monster who gasses his own people and must be brought to account, and by the way, Russia BAD?
Folks, it's pure theater, on both sides. Call it Dancing with the Czars.
Folks, it's pure theater, on both sides. Call it Dancing with the Czars.
136
"Dancing with the Czars" Good. Maybe not original but still pretty good. Because that's what Putin wants to be, another czar. Note all the czarist symbols,, e.g.,, the two-headed eagle, in the photo accompanying this article.
We'll just have to live with all the unknown unknowns concerning the depths of incompetence to which the Trump non-, anti- and un-administration is yet to sink.
Yes, "spinning" as in Russian roulette!
It's odd that the US fired 59 missiles on this airbase, yet Syrian bomber planes took off from the runways and attacked the same village that they had gassed the previous day? Wasn't Russia warned of the attack before members of Congress? I don't trust a single thing the Trump Administration says. And who bombs another country based on his daughter's pleas? He gives the approval for the attack while dining with the president of China from his private golf resort. We are doomed if Trump stays in office.
Now that Trump and Putin might be having a falling out, will Russian-leaning Wikileaks spill some Republican documents such as a certain person's tax returns?
1
Charades anyone? The scrutiny of the Russian subversion of our election and the involvement Team Trump made it necessary to shift the conversation. Putin is a chess player. The current game is to blow enough smoke to obscure the Trump-Putin connections. What's the news about the House and Senate investigations? Who cares- now we are "tough" with Russia!
2
Trump, no military experience but "loves war".
Tillerson, no military experience
Bombs another country without congress's concurrence...it is illegal.
Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win. Sun Tzu
Tillerson, no military experience
Bombs another country without congress's concurrence...it is illegal.
Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win. Sun Tzu
1
Wag the dog...
I don't see why the media is surprised by this. Your biggest problem in covering Trump is assuming that he cares about anything more than his own vanity. He obviously does not.
I don't see why the media is surprised by this. Your biggest problem in covering Trump is assuming that he cares about anything more than his own vanity. He obviously does not.
Can anyone else detect the dread sense that we're headed for a much wider conflict? Trump is getting used to the fact that he has his finger on the world's biggest trigger. Apparently Ivanka's heartbreak was the reason he fired: are the US Armed Forces now at the disposal of a single family? If this was classical Rome, it would be called tyranny.
Trump is way too stupid to be shifty.
Putin is way too smart to be surprised.
Putin is way too smart to be surprised.
2
The media and perhaps "the world" is again being scammed. There has been no "shift" -- 30 million worth of missiles on an airfield when the Russians were told long beforehand about the strike - and may have even suggested it as a way to deflect the continuing 'curiosity' into Russia's election tampering, is NOT a shift in position. It is well known that Trump is a complete idiot, without a clue as to what the presidency is all about or how to be a president. He has not had a cogent thought since he was born and,has zero idea of what a good 'position' looks like. What 'the world' should be concerned about is just that -- he is a clueless loose cannon who tomorrow could just as easily strike Chicago.
1
Remember when Kennedy faced off Khrushchev over missiles in Cuba? Khrushchev was forced to back down, but to make for good press for Russian home consumption, Kennedy privately offered to remove American missiles from Turkey and make it look like a concession so Khrushchev would look good at home.
Compare and contrast with current Russian-American relations.
Compare and contrast with current Russian-American relations.
Can we PLEASE get back to Trump Inc ( meaning his Cabinet) and Russia, and their collusion proior to the election and since the election? The rest of this, while scary for sure, has no meaning without the ongoing financial relationship between the traitor-in-chief and the KGB alums.
Trump is a danger to us and to others. Can we focus on getting him back with his wife, please, and out of the White House?
Trump is a danger to us and to others. Can we focus on getting him back with his wife, please, and out of the White House?
Follow the money.... this is only a temporary diversion. Your looking at this through a news cycle lens. Putin is playing the long game. Both understand the art and advantage of theater. This is theater. Follow the money which we allready know is entangled. Use a wider angle lens.
My head is spinning watching the Times and the rest of MSM falling over and fawning about everything Trump and Putin say and do.
The only skeptics are it's readers and the intelligence community.
I tend to heed the latter group.
The only skeptics are it's readers and the intelligence community.
I tend to heed the latter group.
1
"............the impulsive reactions of a president with no prior experience in foreign policy".
Trump even said that Russia would never invade Ukraine in one of his interviews, at a time when Russians forces were already fighting together with arch-right nationalists eastern Ukraine.
My bet is that he couldn't even find Ukraine on a world map, nor some other countries close to Russia threatened by Putin, unless the name is printed in fat black letters inside their borders.
This country elected a nitwit to the highest office of the land, one who can't even speak his own language, can't spell, is a narcissistic bully, has the attention span of a toddler, needs his daughter and son-in-law to make up his mind for him, and has made this country the laughing stock of the advanced world.
Although not all is laughter.
The German weekly Der Spiegel published a black and white ghostly looking picture of the White House in the fog after election day. It had the headline "Trump. The Fog of Horror".
Trump even said that Russia would never invade Ukraine in one of his interviews, at a time when Russians forces were already fighting together with arch-right nationalists eastern Ukraine.
My bet is that he couldn't even find Ukraine on a world map, nor some other countries close to Russia threatened by Putin, unless the name is printed in fat black letters inside their borders.
This country elected a nitwit to the highest office of the land, one who can't even speak his own language, can't spell, is a narcissistic bully, has the attention span of a toddler, needs his daughter and son-in-law to make up his mind for him, and has made this country the laughing stock of the advanced world.
Although not all is laughter.
The German weekly Der Spiegel published a black and white ghostly looking picture of the White House in the fog after election day. It had the headline "Trump. The Fog of Horror".
2
This is all fake posturing, probably even agreed upon with Putin, to deflect from the ongoing Russia investigation. I don't believe at all that Trump changed his mind on his puppet master in the Kremlin.
7
“If there was anything that Syria did, it was to validate the fact that there is no Russia tie,” said Eric Trump, the president’s son.
Quite a convenient turn of events for Trump. Toss about $80M in firecrackers into a relatively unused Syrian air base, and that whole Russian connection seems to politically dissipate. Too convenient.
Quite a convenient turn of events for Trump. Toss about $80M in firecrackers into a relatively unused Syrian air base, and that whole Russian connection seems to politically dissipate. Too convenient.
The ignorant people who believe that Trump is a puppet of Putin are likely the same people who believed Bush bombed the Twin Towers because fire alone cannot melt steel. Every generation has an ignorant class who believe their opinion is fact.
Lets not be taken in by these events that have taken placer are taking place.
I firmly believe there was collusion between Trump people & Putin people, to sully Clinton & put Trump in the White House. We are watching a masterful copout being played out by Trump & Putin.Putin made it clear he would not attend the meeting between him & Tillerson, at this point, if there was sincerity, Trump should have called him back.It is becoming clear that Russia was involved with the recent Gassing of Syrian Children & civilians.If the media is aware of this, certainly Trump was aware, yet he warned Putin of our impending Missile strike.One could say Trump feared retaliation from Russia if there were Russian casualties, which would have developed into a full fledged war, & perhaps a Nuclear confrontation, which is a possibility. Then why go through this sham of indignation, and a display of our might. Trump could have simply denounced the atrocity, & it would have been forgotten in couple of weeks, like the 400,000 Syrians that have already been murdered by Assad.
Can all this be a giant hoax orchestrated by Trump & Putin,you betcha.
I firmly believe there was collusion between Trump people & Putin people, to sully Clinton & put Trump in the White House. We are watching a masterful copout being played out by Trump & Putin.Putin made it clear he would not attend the meeting between him & Tillerson, at this point, if there was sincerity, Trump should have called him back.It is becoming clear that Russia was involved with the recent Gassing of Syrian Children & civilians.If the media is aware of this, certainly Trump was aware, yet he warned Putin of our impending Missile strike.One could say Trump feared retaliation from Russia if there were Russian casualties, which would have developed into a full fledged war, & perhaps a Nuclear confrontation, which is a possibility. Then why go through this sham of indignation, and a display of our might. Trump could have simply denounced the atrocity, & it would have been forgotten in couple of weeks, like the 400,000 Syrians that have already been murdered by Assad.
Can all this be a giant hoax orchestrated by Trump & Putin,you betcha.
1
Despite growing evidence that the earth was not at the center of the universe a concerted effort of illogical reasoning was employed by the middle-ages powers that be to keep it so. This because much of the very legitimacy of the powers that be (or were) was based on the truth of that proposition. As such whereas head scratching may have attended the avant-garde hijinks employed to lend rhythmic coherence to the music of the spheres the ultimate goal of doing whatever to save the phenomena was as mundane as mundane gets.
Prior to pre-warned missile launch the Trump Presidency's place at the center of a particular universe of which all the parties had profound interests was at significant risk! So, to save the phenomena, whiz, bang, boom. Simple!!
Prior to pre-warned missile launch the Trump Presidency's place at the center of a particular universe of which all the parties had profound interests was at significant risk! So, to save the phenomena, whiz, bang, boom. Simple!!
The headline for this article should be "Trump's Apparent Shift"... I wish we'd stop pretending that Trump is capable of actual policy shifts (as if he has forged a coherent body of principles that are being put to the test) . Why this eagerness to report that he "became President today", or that he learned some hard truths that will inform his evolution as our leader? These things simply have not happened: the attack by Assad presented an opportunity for the Trump administration to appear to distance itself from Russia-- a consideration that is baffling even as I write this. And he appeared to do so by carrying out an inconsequential attack on some Syrian airfields, about which Russia was given advance warning.
As far as I can tell, all we've seen from our "President" is a change in language-- not real policy-- and, as we should all have learned by now, talk is cheap.
As far as I can tell, all we've seen from our "President" is a change in language-- not real policy-- and, as we should all have learned by now, talk is cheap.
1
The President of the United States is a blatant unrepentant liar, and has been his entire professional life. How on earth can the American people trust a thing that comes out of his mouth. They cannot. I don't believe our country has ever been confronted with distrust of the Executive branch that ran this deep. The man is a fraud and always has been. Don the Con as someone else here called him.
All of this Syria stuff is smoke to lead the narrative away from Russian intelligence interference in our elections.
All of this Syria stuff is smoke to lead the narrative away from Russian intelligence interference in our elections.
1
Perfect deflection against the investigations into the GOP and Russian interference in the 2016 election.......now Putin is the enemy ????? of the tRump...but I wonder what tRump owes the Russians in $$ etc...His connections to the Russian mafia and money laundering....as well as any tacit agreement in collusion in our elections...
Whiplash?
Good grief.
It is Trump distracting the feeble-minded from the investigations into him and Russia.
What could be more obvious?
Good grief.
It is Trump distracting the feeble-minded from the investigations into him and Russia.
What could be more obvious?
1
"geopolitical whiplash" I've lost all respect for reporting and news writers. Just spinmeisters all in the game. The intent of these game players, Trump, Putin, and their team of snakes is to wreak havoc and chaos. It is working perfectly folks. Do not be fooled.
1
What a tangled web these evil doers have woven with their deceit and we will all suffer hugely and bigly.
Whatever way the winds blows. The yucks will lap it up. Trump considers all Americans (except, of course, his billionaire toadies) to be incurably stupid.
We still have a president who follows the advice of his children. Ivanka' feelings were hurt when she saw what happened to the babies in Syria. Eric said his father didn't have any connections with Russia. Jared has no clue what he is doing, all he does is sit there stonefaced during meetings. And what they say is weighted heavyest by the president as to what his actions will be. Is this really the way to run our country? Of course not, this president still doesn't know how to govern no matter what happens in Russia, Syria, Norht Korea, or our country. In remains in our best interest to unseat this bozo.from power before he really damages us.
One of the more annoying things in this political atmosphere is how readily the American public is to adopt the putrid behavior of this administration. No one should be surprised by the head spinning and the public should take this opportunity to stop shouting 'liberal leftist', etc. and other phrases that have no real meaning in the context of the 'head spinning'. For Trump, all is his and this is his carnival. Putin manipulated him and now, when caught with his pants down, he does what he does best: perform. It seems the whole policy here is much like the shell game that con artists used to play on the street corner. But the real contents of the shell is Putin's brain which is far more developed then our President's. As the country is being frisked, the Trump family continues to reap the financial benefit they think they deserve and we, the public, will be the ones to pay for the eminent head spinning disaster. The very saddest part is that the lives of the Syrians, whom Trump freely accused of being terrorists, will continue to be brutally snuffed out by another entitled, delusional leader.
Both Mr. Trump and Mr. Putin are now paying for years they each spun false narratives. Neither has any credibility. Yet, America -- the real power as it represents democracy, freedom, human ingenuity and innovation -- is the loser because we have merely the appearance of a leader. Our power is dissipated because it is being channeled through a person who is in fact a clown.
A useless gossip column of 'he said this, she said that'.
1
It's very significant that Trump himself has not read Putin the riot act. Why not?
Should he do so publically, then it will be clear that this alleged reset is dead.
Should he do so publically, then it will be clear that this alleged reset is dead.
Didn't President Obama months ago warn Trump "don't underestimate Putin"? Obama knew then that Putin was behind the hacking of our election, and Trump probably did too. It's just that 45 was too egotistical to admit he didn't really win. How awful to admit, even now, that you were placed in power through the back door by a foreign power. However, if Trump were a real hero, he'd come clean and put all of his considerable wealth and power behind cleaning up the mess both at home and around the globe. How intriguing to have the illegitimate president create some hope for all of us.
Welcome to the new age of diplomacy. It's a guessing game.
Do people here believe that Trump was partnered with Putin and Russia against the United States? That has been the content of many NYTimes articles. If true, this would be treason. However, as much as Trump can say the dumbest things and one does wonder what he is thinking, I find it very hard to believe that he is conspiring with Russia against the USA.
I don't think Putin is as enamored with Trump as DJT seems to be with that poker faced Russian. It's simply that Putin saw Hillary as a greater threat to his plans to bring his country back as a world power. Thus, the Russian interference in our election process and the successful demonization of the most qualified candidate for the presidency. Now the US is left with a monumental ignoramus in the White House for the next four years.
1
My God, I actually miss Bush. It's THAT bad.
4
Boy, are we easily distracted or what? If Trump's cover is ever blown, we're going to see a wrath of yellow rain. Putin is no dope, but Trump is!
2
Trump is still the puppet.
75
Sadly, so are a whole bunch of dead Syrians.
The Syrian gas attack on innocent men, women, children and "beautiful babies" would cause any President to reevaluate his foreign policy regarding that country and its allies. It is certainly no surprise, however, that the NYT wouldn't pass up an opportunity to reinforce their anti-Trump meme.
14
If the article has a fault, it is that the article too willing to buys into the Trump/Putin smokescreen.
The Assad regime's record of atrocities on civilians dates back many decades. You would only need to reevaluate if you started out having no background knowledge.
The only people with whiplash are the conspiracy theorists. Trump has approached Russia and China in exactly opposite ways, and has recently flipped the switch politically on both. Why should he stick to rigid doctrines that let our enemies guess our next move? Brilliant.
13
Well, conservative democrat, one thing is sure. Trump's antics have clearly fooled at least one citizen. Guess who?
Two bullies are confronting each other over primacy of the school yard.
One of them is smart, the other is, well, stupid.
Both are arrogant and self centered.
Both are delusional, but one is more delusional.
Both are liars and both are posers.
Who gets the bloody nose?
One of them is smart, the other is, well, stupid.
Both are arrogant and self centered.
Both are delusional, but one is more delusional.
Both are liars and both are posers.
Who gets the bloody nose?
10
Perhaps Mr. Trump has never been intimidated because he surrounds himself with goons. I personally know quite a few people who, given the opportunity, could and surely would intimidate him.
3
Trump is totally clueless when it comes to understanding Putin. Putin likes all the refugees streaming into western Europe. Putin uses refugees to destabilize western European countries.
4
Let's keep in mind that the whole "Trump and Russia" narrative is false and cooked up by the DNC and other left leaning operatives. To date, there is ZERO evidence that any laws were broken, except those that have leaked classified information on the left.
The media is treating a new administration tougher than they did Obama in his eight years. Everyone sees it. Everyone knows it.
Where are the media poll numbers? That is telling. The American people are wise to the nonsense.
The media is treating a new administration tougher than they did Obama in his eight years. Everyone sees it. Everyone knows it.
Where are the media poll numbers? That is telling. The American people are wise to the nonsense.
4
Read and open your eyes..Trump and cronies worked with Putin to win election.
Tom, could you cite your source re"..the whole "Trump and Russia" narrative is false and cooked up by the DNC and other left leaning operatives." Also I have'nt found a reliable poll that has trump above 48 percent approval rating.
The line of reasoning is clear and simple; everything Trump had attempted had been an embarrassing disastrous flop. He then bombed Syria, inspiring a smattering of tepid applause, and a tremor of fear in the voices that had been mocking him. While the fear stems from his stupidity and incompetence, and the potentially deadly outcomes it might precipitate, being feared is still preferable, more Presidential, than being roundly dismissed as a clown. Clearly, then, if a little bombing/violence equal a little applause and fear, which a small mind mistakingly accepts as respect, then the more military violence..and just imagine the incredible surge of love and power the President will receive all during a full-blown war. Hence Syria immediately taking a back seat to North Korea, and, dare we dream so big, Russia? China? And, per the way Trump has approached anything, theres a childish bingeing quality to this pursuit. Suddenly, the WH only and exclusively deals in military posturing and threats, shouting and stumbling and flailing and hoping to provoke. Nary a word on job creation, health care, immigration. Is this what the underemployed disaffected whites in Michigan and Wisconsin voted for? Was this their primary concern, above and beyond the return of productivity and respect to their communities? Becuase if not, those are the voices the weak-willed, pitiable President needs to be hearing from right now before he does anything stupider.
7
Eric Trump “If there was anything that Syria did, it was to validate the fact that there is no Russia tie,”
This attack validates nothing and does not mean squat. If there were ties between Russia and the President/Administration, the bombing may help to sway opinions to the contrary taking away from the investigation. The investigation to Russian ties must continue and should not be swayed by the Syria bombing.
It sickens me when all of a sudden; this President is being praised and labeled a humanitarian. Let’s not forget that this is the same President that has signed repeals of Federal regulations that were established to protect Country, environment and people; a President and GOP aggressively fighting to kick people off health care because according to the GOP we have it good; a President and GOP attacking entitlements; taking aim at hurting the poor, impoverished and middle class of this country and I can go on.
War is not the answer…haven’t we learned enough from past history?
This attack validates nothing and does not mean squat. If there were ties between Russia and the President/Administration, the bombing may help to sway opinions to the contrary taking away from the investigation. The investigation to Russian ties must continue and should not be swayed by the Syria bombing.
It sickens me when all of a sudden; this President is being praised and labeled a humanitarian. Let’s not forget that this is the same President that has signed repeals of Federal regulations that were established to protect Country, environment and people; a President and GOP aggressively fighting to kick people off health care because according to the GOP we have it good; a President and GOP attacking entitlements; taking aim at hurting the poor, impoverished and middle class of this country and I can go on.
War is not the answer…haven’t we learned enough from past history?
18
Just part of the show to try to divert attention from the real issue: Russian hacking and the millions that Trump owes the Russian oligarchs.
Who bombs an airfield and doesn't bother to hit the runways? LOL Even McCain pointed out the stupidity of that "tactic." Who calls the enemy or the aide of the enemy and tells them in advance that the bombs are coming so they can be prepared and move anything of value.
This entire bombing of the airfield is a sham. Putin is laughing.
Who bombs an airfield and doesn't bother to hit the runways? LOL Even McCain pointed out the stupidity of that "tactic." Who calls the enemy or the aide of the enemy and tells them in advance that the bombs are coming so they can be prepared and move anything of value.
This entire bombing of the airfield is a sham. Putin is laughing.
13
Sherr29
You have concisely written the letter I would have written. Bravo!
Even worse is that there are real issues in Syria. A Russian naval (current only a large "supply" or "logistical" base) perfectly positioned between Turkey and Europe at the center of the Middle East tinderbox.
Where is NATO? Oh, I forgot...we don't care about or support NATO since Trump has been president. Will Syria be Putin's next Crimea? After all, who would give up such a perfectly positioned military base....?
You have concisely written the letter I would have written. Bravo!
Even worse is that there are real issues in Syria. A Russian naval (current only a large "supply" or "logistical" base) perfectly positioned between Turkey and Europe at the center of the Middle East tinderbox.
Where is NATO? Oh, I forgot...we don't care about or support NATO since Trump has been president. Will Syria be Putin's next Crimea? After all, who would give up such a perfectly positioned military base....?
They're growling at one another to make it look good. Putin owns Trump, we all know that. Nothing is going to happen with Russia. And nothing is going to happen to Assad either.
5
It seems to me the best way to stop someone is to go after the guy doing it not the infrastructure or his troops. If using poison gas isn't a good enough reason what is a good reason . Why not do what Regan did to Kadafi ? That stopped the terrorism from Libya immediately didn't it. I'm. I Trump fan but I would bet gas wouldn't be used again .
1
Before tackling international problems like North Korea, Syria, Russia, China, trade etc Trump should start small, looking for a success. The up coming WH Easter egg hunt would be a good start.
4
It is a good shift now time to purge Bannon totally and completely .
May be someone in Washington has compromizing data on Trump. Sure, it's not Russia
I would hate to think that Trump would commit an act of war to divert attention from another scandal. That's so historically "bush league" as to be, well, criminal.
5
Is it a good ploy for Trump and Putin? Depending on how many of Trump supporters buy into it as the corporate media sure has.
I would even go one further and these three evil men who don't give a lick about people developed this show. I would put nothing pass these sycophants.
I would even go one further and these three evil men who don't give a lick about people developed this show. I would put nothing pass these sycophants.
3
A total smokescreen. Stick around folks, a new policy is around the corner depending on how the wind is blowing.
2
I'm sure Putin can take getting his hands slapped by Trump in order to be rewarded when the sanctions against Russia are lifted when he "changes" his support for Syria.
Then he and Trump and Tillerson can laugh all the way to bank as ExxonMobile returns to its Russia oil fields.
This is all so disgusting.
Then he and Trump and Tillerson can laugh all the way to bank as ExxonMobile returns to its Russia oil fields.
This is all so disgusting.
7
Trump is not a thoughtful strategist, He's a reactionary and impulsive individual and it is quite evident he flows with the news, even his following of this paper and some of the comments is evident in the administrations actions. It seems as though image is what motivates the White House cabal.
4
The Times paints a cartoonish picture of Trump, and then is shocked he doesn't conform to the caricature. To paraphrase Nixon: Watch what he does, not what he says. The Times is clearly one of the few news sources he reads. You could have a positive influence on him if you would stop the frothing anger.
3
Methinks Eric doth protest too much.
5
It isn't hard to understand: we are in a "Trump First" policy era.
His actions are the best he can do-- for himself, for the Trump brand, for his family, and finally, if there's a decision left to make, for the country.
What's good for Donald J Trump is good for America, by definition.
His actions are the best he can do-- for himself, for the Trump brand, for his family, and finally, if there's a decision left to make, for the country.
What's good for Donald J Trump is good for America, by definition.
1
Russia doesn't have a moral leg to stand on. Until they condemn Bassad's chemical attack on Syrians, they will be viewed as complicit in the atrocity. The way Russia is behaving it's clear they are not anyone's friend.
4
ALL distractions from Don the Con. Keep the eyes on the ball.
Russian meddling in the 2016 election and Russian money into the Trump Organization.
Where did the money Trump pumped into his campaign come from? Russian banks? Russian slush funds? Certainly not Don the Con's own pockets!
It was a very small price to pay to unsettle the West and shake NATO. A very small price.
The Syrian kerfuffle is just another little distraction.
Russian meddling in the 2016 election and Russian money into the Trump Organization.
Where did the money Trump pumped into his campaign come from? Russian banks? Russian slush funds? Certainly not Don the Con's own pockets!
It was a very small price to pay to unsettle the West and shake NATO. A very small price.
The Syrian kerfuffle is just another little distraction.
7
Putin does the same thing with his citizens. When bad things happen in Russia, it's somebody else's fault. That's the way of a bully
2
Another NYT article this morning discusses how Putin is keeping Tillerson guessing. A bigger problem is that Trump is keeping his own secretary of state guessing. Tillerson is going to Russia without any policy on any issue of importance to the two sides. He doesn't even have a negotiating position as far as anyone knows. But even if he does, Trump may change it the next time he sees something on TV that he doesn't like or hears a conspiracy theory on Fox and Friends. This is not going to go well.
1
Isn't it obvious? The Trump adminstration is trying to distract us again. By disagreeing with Russia, they are leading us away from their cozy relationship with Russia and Putin. Didn't Trump's son tweet as much? I suspect that soon we'll find out that Putin and Trump colluded to make it look as if they don't get along... reminds me a lot of middle school. We won't be misled!
2
Oh what a tangled web he weaves when first he practices to commit high treason.
1
Trump is reflexive and impulsive, reacting to every news story of stature and audience. Would he start a war to cover up? You Betcha!
1
Trump is a flip=flopper who says and does whatever suits him at the moment.
He'd throw Melania under a bus if it would suit his immediate needs.
He'd throw Melania under a bus if it would suit his immediate needs.
1
This is the kind of editorialuzung headline that is never wrtitten about a Democrat President.
Were "heads spinnig" when President Obama suddenly became a proponent of new wars of regime change when he went to war with Libya, despite the fact that he ran directly against that concept? Not in the NYT if course.
Every single thing a Republican does is wrong in the eyes if the NYT pundit-reporters, just as surely as every single thing a Democrat does is fine.
Were "heads spinnig" when President Obama suddenly became a proponent of new wars of regime change when he went to war with Libya, despite the fact that he ran directly against that concept? Not in the NYT if course.
Every single thing a Republican does is wrong in the eyes if the NYT pundit-reporters, just as surely as every single thing a Democrat does is fine.
2
With a man as rudderless, and advisers as devious as Trump et. al. normal political analysis is useless. Is this a shift in policy? What policy? Does this signal a change in influence in his inner circle? What day is it?
There is no long-term in this administration, it's government by whiplash - hold on, keep up, or you'll miss it. No nuance - flip flop - and back. No excuses. Hypocrisy, black is white, day is night. "But that was different", "We weren't President then", "That was campaign rhetoric".
Government not by action but by reaction.
I always wondered what it must feel like to live under the rule of one of those crazy and cruel leaders you read about, never knowing what they will do next - in your name - who will lose and who will suffer - will it be you - will it be me?
Seemingly out of your hands. Watching as the madness they dictate unfolds in real time.
Now I know.
There is no long-term in this administration, it's government by whiplash - hold on, keep up, or you'll miss it. No nuance - flip flop - and back. No excuses. Hypocrisy, black is white, day is night. "But that was different", "We weren't President then", "That was campaign rhetoric".
Government not by action but by reaction.
I always wondered what it must feel like to live under the rule of one of those crazy and cruel leaders you read about, never knowing what they will do next - in your name - who will lose and who will suffer - will it be you - will it be me?
Seemingly out of your hands. Watching as the madness they dictate unfolds in real time.
Now I know.
5
Looks like Russia may not have the goods on Trump after all. Sigh.
2
I still want to see Trump's tax returns. And those of Carter Page, Paul Manafort, Steve Bannon, Steve Miller, Michael Cohen. Eric Trump, Donald Trump, Ivanka Trump, Jared Kushner and the rest of Moscow's stooges in the White House. Do not let up on reporting conflicts of interest and violations of the emoluments clause.
312
Me too!
By launching missiles at Syria, the Trump administration has informed Gullibles that facts from the summer of 2016 are no longer facts.
2
Sure they are. They're just alternative facts.
I have 3 words: Wag The Dog.
2
We have to respect our enemies, that's why we hate them. Our friends we walk all over them, that's why we want them as friends. Neither hating someone nor taking advantage of them are very friendly things, maybe it's better for both Russia and us to just nod as well pass at safe distances. Trump's equivocation is probably just part of that realization.
President Trump is mercurial in temperate , possesses a tempestuous nature and acts on instincts; in essence he is Putin! He has personal red lines that he will not allowed to be crossed! Any perceived slight, disloyalty and questioning will bet met with dismissal from his inner circle. Trump respects strength and strong convictions regardless of their feasibility! For the alt left, Trump's stance against Russia is a decoy, slight of hand and a diversion. As this political theater unfolds the investigation should continue and allow the facts to play out to its conclusion. Regardless of the out come and because of the polarizing nature of President Trump, both sides will use its findings to benefit their political narration.
1
The problem with being a con man and a consistent liar is that if you tell what may be the truth -- not so many people believe you. "Trump: The Guy who Called Wolf on the Russian Bear."
1
Mr. Tillerson arrived in Moscow after have asked the G7 why American taxpayers should care about Ukraine.
Was this to hint to Putin that the US would trade Crimea or maybe the whole Ukraine for Assad?
Or did it just represent the most feckless and breathtaking incompetence we have ever seen?
Was this to hint to Putin that the US would trade Crimea or maybe the whole Ukraine for Assad?
Or did it just represent the most feckless and breathtaking incompetence we have ever seen?
5
Does anyone really buy into this assertion of good-Russia/bad-Russia? It looks and smells like the Trump posse is trying to end-run the investigation of Trump/Russia-Campaign-Gate. And all of this to cover up the republicans attempt to dump us back to the 1950's. And other than handing billionaires & corporations the rest of the money in the system, one can only hope that the snake pit that is this president and party will consume itself first.
1
This shift does not nullify the possibility of the Trump campaign or advisors collaborating with Russia to influence the United States Presidential election. Winning an election is one thing and exerting power following it is quite another.
But but but, this news doesn't square with the fiction that the democrats have been trying to sell the past six months.
1
The so-called "fiction" that Trump is a con man and that he and Putin are just continuing the con?
It squares perfectly.
It squares perfectly.
What better way to distract or even derail an investigation into Russian ties than to turn against them?
1
If there is a surreptitious connection to Russia, Putin has been seriously Trumped. He has to allow 45 to do his thing because, if he doesn't, he will lose more political gravitas by denouncing Trump than he will just by taking his punches, as ineffectual as they may be. This could well be a pantomime too, cynical realpolitik at its worst.
Putin's smarts have always been highly exaggerated. His investments don't always pan out. His Manchurian candidate and anti-Hillary antidote in the US has turned against him, no doubt in part to deflect attention from the obvious connections between the two. And the Syrian government humiliated him by its use of weapons Russia was supposed to have removed from the country.
Two investments that both appear to have flopped big time. We shouldn't forget that.
Two investments that both appear to have flopped big time. We shouldn't forget that.
1
How can U.S. allies rely on American leadership when it is dependent on which pictures are chosen for broadcast by Fox News? The long term effect will be weakened alliances. Chaotic and inconsistent policies are the mark of inexperience and/or ignorance.
I am generally supportive of any efforts to stop Putin's support of Assad gassing his own people. But I have no faith that this is the beginning of a principled opposition to either Assad or Putin. I fear more war and bluster based on shallow incompetence. The Trump administration is not trustworthy.
I am generally supportive of any efforts to stop Putin's support of Assad gassing his own people. But I have no faith that this is the beginning of a principled opposition to either Assad or Putin. I fear more war and bluster based on shallow incompetence. The Trump administration is not trustworthy.
2
Here's the plan, which was decided before the election in collusion with Russia: The Russians will allow Bashar al Assad to do something heinous. The Americans will respond. The Russians will feign outrage. Then, in return for Russia getting rid of Al Assad, the US will agree to drop the sanctions on Russia. Trump will play it to his benefit at home, and the world will forget that Russia has invaded Ukraine. That was the plan all along.
1
Easy to know when the Trumps are lying. Just see if their lips are moving.
The various pundits need to switch to decaff.
1
Calculated deflection from the most treasonous scandal to mar the history of our Republic.
1
We're being played.
Don't be distracted by these shiny objects that keep showing up.
Keep digging for the truth.
Don't be distracted by these shiny objects that keep showing up.
Keep digging for the truth.
1
In this nefarious chess game, both kings and their defenses are already lying, gasping, on the board; and the queens are absent.
All that remains are two cornered pawns.
All that remains are two cornered pawns.
1
Any twelve year-old knows how to deflect suggested affections toward a classmate: protest, accuse and deny. How is this different from recent Trump maneuvers toward Putin and Russia, and why does the press not see through a same deflective strategy commonly deployed by your typical middle schooler covering his tracks?