The headline here is much too soft on the Administration. What passes for Trump's foreign policy is a series of impulsive moves with no coherent strategy behind them. I know that the Times does not want to be accused of passing judgment here, but relabeling ineptitude and incoherence as boldness and unpredictability is going much too far. You should not be in the business of writing headlines which put an attractive gloss on dangerous, nonsensical actions.
Bold foreign policy? What policy? The State Department is empty. Rex Tillerson is a Putin plant and Donald Trump doesn't have enough brains or sense to come in out of a rain storm. Foreign policy? What foreign policy?
Missiles to Iraq, oh I mean Syria. An armada to North Korea, oh, it's 3000 miles away, going in the wrong direction. I'm serious though. I'm going to fix this mess I inherited.
Foreign policy? What foreign policy?
Missiles to Iraq, oh I mean Syria. An armada to North Korea, oh, it's 3000 miles away, going in the wrong direction. I'm serious though. I'm going to fix this mess I inherited.
Foreign policy? What foreign policy?
It should be clear by now that Trump has no idea what a policy is. To him a campaign slogan is a policy. He acts from his gut and doesn't worry about the fallout. That's what his staff are for. Except this time, the game of chicken he is playing with NK might result in more fallout than he had bargained for, the nuclear kind.
Yep, all the sound and fury and blunders of the last two weeks have raised President Trump's popularity in the U.S. to 41%. North Korea try to launch a missile over Easter (probably sabotaged by Cyberwarfare program Obama launched on the QT) and in Syria Assad is more firmly entrenched then ever with Russia's and Iran's backing. Not that it really the U.S. problem. But go ahead N.Y. Times, keep cheerleading Trump on this and he will get us into a war sooner or later since it makes him so "presidential."
1
So far his actions and interventions have largely been reactive - I doubt he has any real vision, philosophy, or understanding of foreign policy, never mind history. He would do us all a huge favor if he just kept his moronic thoughts to himself, better still kept his mouth shut. An ignorant, arrogant, impulse, devious and dangerous individual - a disgrace and pathetic excuse for a human being much less president of this country.
Following the maxim “speak softly and carry a big stick,” President Theodore Roosevelt built a foreign policy legacy of expanding the United States’ influence on the world stage.
Trump is no TR. Tweeting and bellowing loudly and striking at whim or first insult is chaos. Complete disorder and confusion in the conduct of our foreign policy is a recipe for disaster. A blunder or miscalculation could easily lead to the US into a war and unwillingness of nations to trust and work with us.
We need analytical thinking. View and analyze all possible scenarios in any given situation - best case, worst case and everything in between - and make an informed and rational decision about actions to take.
Does anyone really think that President Trump has that capacity?
Well, let's see how he does in simulated war games that are conducted by our national security leaders. Oh, that's right, we won't know the outcome of those simulations and his decisions. Just like we don't know about Trump's tax returns and medical records. Just like we don't know about his White House visitor logs. All hidden from view.
And that's why I'm very skeptical of Trump's decision-making processes - acumen and judgment.
Trump is no TR. Tweeting and bellowing loudly and striking at whim or first insult is chaos. Complete disorder and confusion in the conduct of our foreign policy is a recipe for disaster. A blunder or miscalculation could easily lead to the US into a war and unwillingness of nations to trust and work with us.
We need analytical thinking. View and analyze all possible scenarios in any given situation - best case, worst case and everything in between - and make an informed and rational decision about actions to take.
Does anyone really think that President Trump has that capacity?
Well, let's see how he does in simulated war games that are conducted by our national security leaders. Oh, that's right, we won't know the outcome of those simulations and his decisions. Just like we don't know about Trump's tax returns and medical records. Just like we don't know about his White House visitor logs. All hidden from view.
And that's why I'm very skeptical of Trump's decision-making processes - acumen and judgment.
2
Sorry, "bold" conveys a level of knowledge about what one is doing. It applies to Trump only in the same way it can be said that a man who falls into a volcano is making a bold choice.
1
The sentence "Mr. Trump’s confrontational and improvisational approach to foreign affairs has lifted his mood, fortunes and poll numbers in recent days. There are signs it has also made an impact on the Chinese, prodding them to finally use their leverage with their errant neighbor, North Korea" may not be entirely correct. The greater impact on the Chinese might be North Korea's pushing the envelope a bit too far even for the comfort of the Chinese and the Chinese realizing the situation if approaching a crisis point in terms of US national interests.
1
If having the attention span of a gnat makes Trump "bold and unpredictable" then lead on El Presidente!
I enjoyed his description of that delicious chocolate cake he was eating as he decided to send the 60 Tomahawk missiles Syria's way. This man has all the intellectual power of a middle schooler. These are very dangerous times for our country.
I enjoyed his description of that delicious chocolate cake he was eating as he decided to send the 60 Tomahawk missiles Syria's way. This man has all the intellectual power of a middle schooler. These are very dangerous times for our country.
3
Even Mr. Obama knew the threat would never be tolerated. Mr. Obama chose the cyber sabotage option, which amounted to no more than a delay tactic, an annoyance to their progress in their ballistic missile program. Essentially, Mr. Obama was passing the bucket to the next US Administration. But this passing of the baton comes at a critical moment, as Mr. Obama had warned Mr. Trump, probably keenly aware that the cyber attacks and sabotage have not prevented Mr. Kim from making progress and with each step making it even more plausible that a nuclear missile could reach the US, not to mention South Korea and Japan. For that matter, they could threaten China if they felt abandoned or betrayed. For Mr. Kim, his own survival is what's important and if cornered I don't think he would have any qualms in releasing all his nuclear arsenal to whomever he felt "deserved" it. Trump is right in understanding that China is key to end Kim's reign of terror and blackmail. Surely, China will get a sweet deal and trade concessions from the US if for once and for all they end the mad regime of Mr. Kim. The other option is a US massive preemptive strike aimed not only to destroy the artillery along the South Korean border and its nuclear facilities and missile platforms but also aimed at decapitating the regime. The latter the most critical target. Without Mr. Kim. we would really find out how loyal and suicidal his generals are to the Kim cause. Either way, we must end the threat.
It remains a mystery to me why the MSM including this paper has decided to
ignore (so far) the analysis of MIT's Theodore Postol whose 14 page deconstruction (circulated around April 11) of the administration's assertions about the Syrian sarin atrocity strongly
suggests the cruise missile attack was staged for purposes other than
a morally outraged retaliation against Syria. Indeed, his main point was that there was strong evidence that the sarin was not delivered by a Syrian air attack. There has also been little reporting about the intelligence community's assessment of Postol's analysis.
The administration used the sarin attack as a pretext to heave
many missiles at a Syrian air force base and demonstrate "strong resolve"
that nerve gas attacks are not to be tolerated and come with a price. This created the expected public reaction of support and bumped up approval ratings - not a very difficult feat given its rationale and zero American casualties.
But the theatrics of the event and its grossly manipulated interpretation would have easily been challenged after Postol's 14 page report began to be
circulated about a week after the cruise missile riposte. Why was this
not done?
In the absence of a detailed discussion of Postol's analysis, and an equally convincing rebuttal of it, it is fair to say that the point of
the administration's staged event was to shore up
domestic support and was predicated upon a big lie.
ignore (so far) the analysis of MIT's Theodore Postol whose 14 page deconstruction (circulated around April 11) of the administration's assertions about the Syrian sarin atrocity strongly
suggests the cruise missile attack was staged for purposes other than
a morally outraged retaliation against Syria. Indeed, his main point was that there was strong evidence that the sarin was not delivered by a Syrian air attack. There has also been little reporting about the intelligence community's assessment of Postol's analysis.
The administration used the sarin attack as a pretext to heave
many missiles at a Syrian air force base and demonstrate "strong resolve"
that nerve gas attacks are not to be tolerated and come with a price. This created the expected public reaction of support and bumped up approval ratings - not a very difficult feat given its rationale and zero American casualties.
But the theatrics of the event and its grossly manipulated interpretation would have easily been challenged after Postol's 14 page report began to be
circulated about a week after the cruise missile riposte. Why was this
not done?
In the absence of a detailed discussion of Postol's analysis, and an equally convincing rebuttal of it, it is fair to say that the point of
the administration's staged event was to shore up
domestic support and was predicated upon a big lie.
Trump is going to start WWlll!!! It is time for Trump to be peached.
Trump is going to start a war. Based on his actions so far, namely the illegal military attack on Syria and the threatening but false announcement of the naval armada to the North Koreans, he is DELIBERATELY going to start a war.
By next year, Republicans will be using the war as campaign fodder for the midterms. They'll run on supporting our troops and our veterans, all the while ignoring the fact that their president created the need to support them in the first place.
A war with North Korea will be long and deadly. A war with Iran (sponsors of Syria) will be long, deadly and "asymmetrical".
Having started war, Trump will have no idea about how to end it.
By next year, Republicans will be using the war as campaign fodder for the midterms. They'll run on supporting our troops and our veterans, all the while ignoring the fact that their president created the need to support them in the first place.
A war with North Korea will be long and deadly. A war with Iran (sponsors of Syria) will be long, deadly and "asymmetrical".
Having started war, Trump will have no idea about how to end it.
1
More incoherent than bold if you ask me. Any word on where the Carl Vinson is currently?
2
"Quinnipiac University Poll/April 19, 2017
American voters say 62 – 30 percent that the U.S. missile strike in Syria will not be effective in preventing the Syrian government from using chemical weapons in the future.
Voters say 49 – 44 percent that it is not in the U.S. national interest to be involved in the Syrian conflict, but say 52 – 40 percent that America has a “moral responsibility to get involved.”
A total of 78 percent of voters are “very concerned” or “somewhat concerned” about the U.S. getting into a war in Syria, like the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
A total of 72 percent of voters are “very concerned” or “somewhat concerned” that U.S. involvement in Syria could lead to armed conflict with Russia."
https://poll.qu.edu/images/polling/us/us04192017_Uwpg863m.pdf/
American voters say 62 – 30 percent that the U.S. missile strike in Syria will not be effective in preventing the Syrian government from using chemical weapons in the future.
Voters say 49 – 44 percent that it is not in the U.S. national interest to be involved in the Syrian conflict, but say 52 – 40 percent that America has a “moral responsibility to get involved.”
A total of 78 percent of voters are “very concerned” or “somewhat concerned” about the U.S. getting into a war in Syria, like the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
A total of 72 percent of voters are “very concerned” or “somewhat concerned” that U.S. involvement in Syria could lead to armed conflict with Russia."
https://poll.qu.edu/images/polling/us/us04192017_Uwpg863m.pdf/
The media continues to get it all wrong: the US isn't strong because it began wars in Vietnam and Iraq. It is strong in spite of those huge mistakes. Continuing to use force in an unstable world and to increase tensions and bellicosity is not "presidential" and it certainly isn't "statesman-like."
It is to act like a teenager with missiles.
It is to act like a teenager with missiles.
1
President's Trump's unpredictability works well with rational nation-states; however, with isolated, paranoid ,unstable nation states(N Korea), lead by a irrational leader, the President's portentous verbosity is a liability. President Kennedy was a master tactician against his bestial foe, Nikita Kruschev! The Soviet leader threatened nuclear retaliation and warfare, countered by Kennedy's cool demeanor, erudition of the stakes involved and listened to all arguments and angles. President Obama was the same in approach. What was learned in October'62 is applicable today; you must allow for your adversary to lose with dignity; in return for the removal of the missiles in Cuba, the US jettisioned missiles from Turkey. N. Korea's leader is irrational, isolated and believes he is more of an adversary than what his technological abilities really are! N Korea must never attain nuclear weapons; as surrounding nations Japan and S. Korea would be threatened and would develop their nuclear programs. Rationality, strength and power through quite diplomacy prevailed then as it would now!
2
Please! There is no foreign policy here; there is reaction mode only. If by "bold" and "unpredictable" you mean sabre rattling and stupid I might agree. Trump used one of the oldest tricks in the book: distract by bombing something and pretend it was a "national security threat". Now more than ever, we need to have the press tell the absolute truth. We can not worry anymore about trying to sound a neutral chord. The president of the United States is not only a liar, he is ignorant of the consequences of the action he takes. We will all pay the price.
1
The world is laughing at his "show of strength"
How does bombing a couple of planes serve as anything but a political move for the home audience. The Syrian AF is using that airbase as we speak.
North Korea Armada? Whoops.
Iran? As of today he has flipped on his stance but who knows tomorrow?
Fake shows of strength and an aura of "unpredictability" is really code for disguising the fact that he has no intellectual interest in actually knowing anything about these dangerous situations.
How does bombing a couple of planes serve as anything but a political move for the home audience. The Syrian AF is using that airbase as we speak.
North Korea Armada? Whoops.
Iran? As of today he has flipped on his stance but who knows tomorrow?
Fake shows of strength and an aura of "unpredictability" is really code for disguising the fact that he has no intellectual interest in actually knowing anything about these dangerous situations.
We are all up in arms over N. Korea. A situation of Trumps making, and he is basking in that, looking so tough.
In the meantime, all seems quiet on the issue of Russia and the presidential campaign and his team's involvement.
He's gotta like that.
In the meantime, all seems quiet on the issue of Russia and the presidential campaign and his team's involvement.
He's gotta like that.
2
echoing Nadine Bangerter's thoughts, this is a rediculous article with an even more ridiculous headline. Unreasoned, reactive, transactional pinball is not 'policy'. It is the equivalent of pre-adolescent tantrum.
I would have considerably more respect for the NYTs if, like to pointed out about CNN (& can be deduced from other network news coverage), you didn't see the incumbent's ADHD as a cash cow for your biz model
as Earl Scruggs always said, "If you pick it, it will never heal!"
I would have considerably more respect for the NYTs if, like to pointed out about CNN (& can be deduced from other network news coverage), you didn't see the incumbent's ADHD as a cash cow for your biz model
as Earl Scruggs always said, "If you pick it, it will never heal!"
2
It is absolutely irresponsible and inane to suggest that Loose-Lips Trump should not back off from a threat. This encourages him to threaten a dangerous and erratic leader. We badly need someone with Obama's wisdom and competence.
5
During his press conference today Trump used the phrase 'we'll see what happens' to each question asked of him on whatever subject. Not a sign of a man who has a clue of what he's doing.
6
Do we really want to call Trump' s approach "improvisational"? Sure, if improvisational means sloppy, shortsighted, frightening, unethical, racist, misogynistic, tacky, and generally cruel.
6
So what is the end game in all this NK brouhaha?
Grandstanding for few weeks? While NK keeps developing nukes and ICMBs?
Just obstains from testing them until Trump gives China everything they want?
Grandstanding for few weeks? While NK keeps developing nukes and ICMBs?
Just obstains from testing them until Trump gives China everything they want?
Shakespeare inserted fools into his plays as either court jesters or clowns. Trump is both his own White House (Court) Jester and The Clown.
With feigned ignorance, the Bard’s Fool described both the play’s uneducated character and the sixteenth century common man standing in front of the stage, munching hazelnuts, yet howling in raucous laughter because he understood the irony.
Trump is playing the part of a twenty-first century POTUS but history will describe him as The Fool, consistently displaying ignorance, not feigned, of the irony of his own chosen role in this comedic tragedy.
What will history say about those who put him in office and those who kept him there? This Common Man does not want to laugh anymore.
With feigned ignorance, the Bard’s Fool described both the play’s uneducated character and the sixteenth century common man standing in front of the stage, munching hazelnuts, yet howling in raucous laughter because he understood the irony.
Trump is playing the part of a twenty-first century POTUS but history will describe him as The Fool, consistently displaying ignorance, not feigned, of the irony of his own chosen role in this comedic tragedy.
What will history say about those who put him in office and those who kept him there? This Common Man does not want to laugh anymore.
1
Trump holds the power to begin a war. Chilling. Absolutely frightening.
Our so-called president, the most powerful leader in the world, is, unfortunately, not made out of "the right stuff" to qualify as a leader. And everyone who has been following his antics in office knows it. He has shown himself to be incompetent and uninformed, and lacking the judgement needed to choose advisors with the necessary skills to enable him to succeed.
Cunning and shrewdness are not qualities becoming for a businessman; were they, he mightn't have failed and taken bankruptcy repeatedly. The wisdom to learn from mistakes has benefited many a successful business man, but Trump sorely lacks wisdom. His business style is bullying, defaulting on payments, and blaming everyone else when something goes wrong. His management style is the motto that he used on his reality show: "You're fired!"; not particularly useful to successful leadership, and it shows in his inability to put together a cohesive team and/or cabinet with which to lead our country.
Given that he is in way over his head as president of the USA, it seems obvious that we should be more than wary about his ability to be an effective world-leader. I was counting on Congress to reign him in. I thought that they might rise above petty partisan- and one-up-man- ship. I thought they had the power and the wisdom to do so.
They apparently are loyal only to their parties and their pocketbooks. Chilling. Absolutely frightening.
Our so-called president, the most powerful leader in the world, is, unfortunately, not made out of "the right stuff" to qualify as a leader. And everyone who has been following his antics in office knows it. He has shown himself to be incompetent and uninformed, and lacking the judgement needed to choose advisors with the necessary skills to enable him to succeed.
Cunning and shrewdness are not qualities becoming for a businessman; were they, he mightn't have failed and taken bankruptcy repeatedly. The wisdom to learn from mistakes has benefited many a successful business man, but Trump sorely lacks wisdom. His business style is bullying, defaulting on payments, and blaming everyone else when something goes wrong. His management style is the motto that he used on his reality show: "You're fired!"; not particularly useful to successful leadership, and it shows in his inability to put together a cohesive team and/or cabinet with which to lead our country.
Given that he is in way over his head as president of the USA, it seems obvious that we should be more than wary about his ability to be an effective world-leader. I was counting on Congress to reign him in. I thought that they might rise above petty partisan- and one-up-man- ship. I thought they had the power and the wisdom to do so.
They apparently are loyal only to their parties and their pocketbooks. Chilling. Absolutely frightening.
6
I'm still wondering who is more erratic and unstable, Donald Trump or Kim Jong-un?
I'm thinking that South Korea is now wondering about that same thing.
I'm thinking that South Korea is now wondering about that same thing.
8
This is what happens when an amateur fires the professionals and replaces them with either cronies, family, or people of questionable loyalty to the nation and its Constitution. (And yes, I'm talking about Rex Tillerson and his cozy relationship with Putin.)
2
Bold like salsa that is so hot you can't eat it and it totally ruins the meal? Calling Trump's policy bold when it threatens the world isn't rational
6
"Bold" foreign policy? Really?
Seems to me the spur-of-the-moment brain fart policy to me... tweeted no less.
Seems to me the spur-of-the-moment brain fart policy to me... tweeted no less.
5
Do pundits who keep trying to explain Trump's actions in terms of coherent visions or plans ever get tired of being wrong? It was only a couple of months ago that the certain segments of th media was trying explain how Trump's acceptance of a phone call Taiwan's president signaled a "reset" in relations across Taiwan Straits. And now he is having chocolate cake with Xi Jin Ping. What about next month? Independence for Hong Kong?
Maybe it's time to pay heed to Ockham's razor: Trump acts like he has no plan because he has no plan. He just fumbles around and does whatever he thinks will give him a bump in approval ratings.
Maybe it's time to pay heed to Ockham's razor: Trump acts like he has no plan because he has no plan. He just fumbles around and does whatever he thinks will give him a bump in approval ratings.
3
I'm already tired of winning.
6
I'm skeptical that the Trump administration has any long-term strategy other than maximizing profits for his businesses and those of his Cabinet members. I suspect this saber rattling is a smokescreen for seeking concessions for Ivanka's businesses in China, the Exxon Mobile waiver, Erik Prince's dark dealings, and more. If Trump were not selling us out, he wouldn't hesitate to show us his taxes, divest, and avoid harboring embarrassments like Betsy DeVos on his Cabinet.
3
The Obsequious New York Times, dangling sycophantic headline words before Trump, while running after those clicks. Bold? Unpredictable? Come on. You forgot to mention the delicious Trump cake.
8
I look at that image and see actors in a play. A royal play. Where the joker plays the king.
4
A recent North Korean political meeting ended with a rather well made video showing missiles steaking over the Pacific, hitting US cities, and producing explosions complete with mushroom clouds. If so many of your readers could get over their smug "oh, oh, I just thought of another sarcastic thing to say about Donald Trump" and consider reality, would they perhaps acknowledge that we need a new approach to the North Korean government? One that actually might prevent an attack on a US military base in Japan or a US city? Although, if they prefer to send basketball stars to Pyongyang once again, I don't really object, and can think of a few ex presidents to send along.
1
I think I know why President Xi's eyes "widened in surprise" and why "he was speechless for 10 seconds," as Trump told it later when he was bragging about revealing the news to Xi over "the most beautiful piece of chocolate cake."
Trump says he told Xi, "We’ve just launched 59 missiles … heading to Iraq.”
I can just see Xi's thought process: "Iraq!? What's he doing, flattening ISIS-occupied Mosul? The civilian casualties will be... Wait a minute. He probably meant Syria. That's it.
"Holy Mao! Is he targeting the Russians? Nah; everyone knows the Americans want Russia to take care of the jihadists in Syria, not least so they can beat the Russians up for bombing them in the cities while they do it. No, it's probably a publicity stunt--just like this dinner and this sugar-bomb chocolate cake. Phew."
Trump says he told Xi, "We’ve just launched 59 missiles … heading to Iraq.”
I can just see Xi's thought process: "Iraq!? What's he doing, flattening ISIS-occupied Mosul? The civilian casualties will be... Wait a minute. He probably meant Syria. That's it.
"Holy Mao! Is he targeting the Russians? Nah; everyone knows the Americans want Russia to take care of the jihadists in Syria, not least so they can beat the Russians up for bombing them in the cities while they do it. No, it's probably a publicity stunt--just like this dinner and this sugar-bomb chocolate cake. Phew."
11
The Republican supporters are the best visual aid to understand that by definition, 50% of people have an IQ BELOW 100.
2
DONALD TRUMP IS VERY PREDICTABLE His foreign policy will be plopped out during the wee-wee hours of the morning as he issues his gems of 140 character tweets. Meaning that his foreign policy is for the birds ! How do I know ? The Quack Donald Duck Trumpenstein Monster told me.
His incompetency is dangerous and no amount of political spin by the republicans and even some pundits will allay the world's fears. Trump does know how to enrich his family and political cronies ... our democracy is being shredded and all enabled by the republicans. Watch carefully for Trump and Tillerson to try and lift the sanctions on Russia so Tillerson's former employer Exon can drill oil to benefit them and Putin. Putin would make billions to boost his weapons and probably attempt more invasions... keep the sanctions ! Putin supports Assayd, no getting around that but Tillerson and Trump apparently have selective amnesia... oil, blood money seems to be fine for these two ! This is destroying America, it sure isn't making America Great !
3
Language matters. Why give this administration's foreign policy the good grace of of calling it "bold?" "Unprediactable" is accurate, but "BOLD?" Please.
How about:
Reckless?
Feckless?
Irresponsible?
Dangerous?
Flat-out-insane?
How about:
Reckless?
Feckless?
Irresponsible?
Dangerous?
Flat-out-insane?
8
Flat Out Obama Insane:
Letting North Korea have nuclear warheads capable of reaching U.S.
Letting Assad kill 500,000 while millions flee
Letting Clinton convince him to overthrow Libyan govt
Letting Hillary fail at Russian reset.
Here's a better one: appointing Hillary as SOS
Abandoning Israel
Allowing Iran to go nuclear in 10 years
Funding Irans sponsorship of global terror
Spying on American citizens
Letting North Korea have nuclear warheads capable of reaching U.S.
Letting Assad kill 500,000 while millions flee
Letting Clinton convince him to overthrow Libyan govt
Letting Hillary fail at Russian reset.
Here's a better one: appointing Hillary as SOS
Abandoning Israel
Allowing Iran to go nuclear in 10 years
Funding Irans sponsorship of global terror
Spying on American citizens
Oh please. As far as N. Korea is concerned...or any other enemy, he'd doin the same old same old. Claiming the last Admin was too soft, not tough enough, blurts out some invective, has his staff leaking "new and fresh" possible actions, then it all goes according to how events play out in reality. Not how pundits and "experts" fantasize it will.
Every Admin over the last few has come in speaking about being tough on China, PNK, Iran, etc. And then its the usual games. No different with Trump. The missle strike in Syria was meaningless. Only proving what everyone alreadys knows; the US can strike at will, anyplace it wishes. N. Korea knows this, and has known it for a long time, but its done zilch to affect change.
And how can Sen Warner say that Iran etc, are recalibrating, when he and his cohorts - as well as our intelligence agencies - keep telling us our Intel in these places is sketchy at best...because we lack real HUMINT. (Human intelligence). That we lack substantial human resources inside their inner sanctums.
More pomp, then any substance...much like our battle group steaming directly towards N. Korea...while sailing in the opposite direction.
Every Admin over the last few has come in speaking about being tough on China, PNK, Iran, etc. And then its the usual games. No different with Trump. The missle strike in Syria was meaningless. Only proving what everyone alreadys knows; the US can strike at will, anyplace it wishes. N. Korea knows this, and has known it for a long time, but its done zilch to affect change.
And how can Sen Warner say that Iran etc, are recalibrating, when he and his cohorts - as well as our intelligence agencies - keep telling us our Intel in these places is sketchy at best...because we lack real HUMINT. (Human intelligence). That we lack substantial human resources inside their inner sanctums.
More pomp, then any substance...much like our battle group steaming directly towards N. Korea...while sailing in the opposite direction.
2
trump remains unqualified and unfit to hold the office of POTUS.
4
Trump "bold" in his foreign policy? The problem with that statement is that Trump has no coherent foreign policy. He does not understand its nuances and uses. Without this understanding, Trump does not know enough to be bold. Stupid is a better description of his foreign policy. His State Dept is bereft of skill and numbers. Tillerson, a neophyte, is the State Dept.
4
Mr. Trump can not even claim to come close to matching Bush's much-vaunted "Stratagery", though Trump's results may prove to be even more catastrophic. But when one considers that he is incapable of even recognizing any of the many contradictions that roll from his own tongue / thumbs is evidence enough that there is no underlying, vetted, tested or refined grand plan.
On what planet do you reside?
Lifted his poll numbers? What, from 32% approval to 34%?
Lifted his poll numbers? What, from 32% approval to 34%?
4
He seems to be sniffing around for places where he can take "bold action." He didn't start that until his ratings went through the floor due to the health care failure and the not-going-away Russia-Trump problem. So I don't see him having a foreign policy -- or even a preference for much. He's still got the Russia monkey on his back and that is probably the core motivator.
1
Trump's bold and unpredictable foreign policy is not the product of a superb intellect able to react from well cultivated fast decision making, it's the impulsive behavior of someone who does not appreciate with what he is dealing. Good policies have measured responses well considered long before they happen as well as the means to implement them on a moment's notice. Trump was just lucky that a well prepared response was available a did not require deep thinking to choose. Not ever foreign policy challenge is so simple and easy to implement.
1
The downside of unpredictability of Trump is no country, friend or foe, would believe what Trump has to say. Therefore, they don't act or initiate anything based on what Trump has to say. You cannot establish leadership in the world if the world doesn't trust you. Therefore, the foreign affairs remain where it was when Obama left office except may be some rabble-rousing. The drop of huge bomb on the caves in Afghanistan mountains may send a message to Iran that their nuclear facilities in the mountains are not safe from American bombs. May be, but that also telegraphs the potential steps the U.S may take and Iran would take steps to protect its nuclear capabilities. Therefore, even in unpredictable behavior, there is fine structure that aids the enemy.
Stellar achievement
In office only three months
On the brink of war.
In office only three months
On the brink of war.
3
Meanwhile, Rex T. undermines sanctions against Russia for its land grab in Crimea to profit Exxon and no doubt himself and the Trumpster. Is this a great country or what?
5
>he could weaken the nation’s standing.
check, faux-eagle landed.
Mini-bear in the cockpit.
check, faux-eagle landed.
Mini-bear in the cockpit.
1
How does it normalize things? He scares everyone who can read that he is using his NY Military Academy experience to pull his John Wayne nonsense. Not realizing that Kim is unstable and if trump attacks N.Korea, Kim will kill 5 million S.Koreans!
5
Saber rattling, firing missiles into hell on earth one and dropping a mega bomb in another hell on earth two are bold. He's doing what he always does with bluster and empty threats that can only create an environment ripe for miscalculation and untold misery. Call it bold when captain erratic has a strategy beyond the end of todays new cycle otherwise he is stumbling towards disaster.
4
"Foreign Policy"??? What foreign policy? Even the NYT appears to be normalizing Trump's ineptitude.
4
It's bad enough that Donald Trump doesn't know the first thing about Diplomacy, and doesn't show any real interest or aptitude in learning about it -- but the fact that he has practically disbanded the U.S. State Department, and continues to play for effect is downright frightening.
Sooner or later, his "Gotcha!"- style of dealing with serious foreign problems is going to backfire, and given the present cast of actors on the world stage, it could easily involve a nuclear event.
Sooner or later, his "Gotcha!"- style of dealing with serious foreign problems is going to backfire, and given the present cast of actors on the world stage, it could easily involve a nuclear event.
3
"Bold, Unpredictable Foreign Policy Lifts Trump, but Has Risks"
Stop with the euphemisms. It's not "bold, unpredictable" foreign policy that has given Trump a bump in the polls. It is the fireworks distractions of cruise missiles. To borrow the words of a long-time conservative, Oliver North, cruise missiles accomplish nothing except to make weak Presidents look strong.
Stop with the euphemisms. It's not "bold, unpredictable" foreign policy that has given Trump a bump in the polls. It is the fireworks distractions of cruise missiles. To borrow the words of a long-time conservative, Oliver North, cruise missiles accomplish nothing except to make weak Presidents look strong.
3
Nixon's 'madman" act could work against North Vietnam without devastating consequences. They didn't have nuclear weapons. If North Korea misreads our current madman, millions will die.
3
Trump is dangerous the learning curve is one he'll never overcome, so stop normalizing the behavior of Trump and his administation. Trump is so bad as President, he has no plan, when he has a statement of a plan it's not well thoughtout or researched I'm afraid for our country. Nothing Trump has done or said 'lifts' Trump. Basically, he's unqualified and unfit to be President there is no doubt in my mind this man must be impeached soon.
3
Ten minutes talk with Xi explained to Trump the complexity of China - North Korea relationship.
Pretty scary to build the US policy on that.
Pretty scary to build the US policy on that.
I am completely baffled by people who expect the economy or the public mood to improve under the erratic policies of an ill-informed flake upsetting applecarts right and left.
3
Instant, snap decisions to bomb indiscriminantly isn't "bold", it's irresponsible, stupid, dangerous and probably a crime under International Law.
Trump's foreign policy isn't even a foreign policy, because he has no plan, no vision, because he has no understanding of what a foreign policy is. He's run off his mouth for many years, going back to 2004 (NOT 2003, despite his lies) but has never shown any indication he understands any of it. And it's clear that Rex Tillerson, while not insane, and grounded in reality, doesn't have much of a clue either.
Nor have any of them learned for GWB's colossal blunders in Iraq: Too small an invasion force to maintain control, no actual plan A, much less a plan B, and no allowance or even expectation for "unintended consequences". Yet here we go again with Trump & Company making the same errors, assuming that our military might means actually working on viable solutions and effective approaches somehow isn't necessary.
Trump's foreign policy isn't even a foreign policy, because he has no plan, no vision, because he has no understanding of what a foreign policy is. He's run off his mouth for many years, going back to 2004 (NOT 2003, despite his lies) but has never shown any indication he understands any of it. And it's clear that Rex Tillerson, while not insane, and grounded in reality, doesn't have much of a clue either.
Nor have any of them learned for GWB's colossal blunders in Iraq: Too small an invasion force to maintain control, no actual plan A, much less a plan B, and no allowance or even expectation for "unintended consequences". Yet here we go again with Trump & Company making the same errors, assuming that our military might means actually working on viable solutions and effective approaches somehow isn't necessary.
1
"The biggest risk, critics say, is that Mr. Trump will talk himself into a war. Only slightly less dangerously, he could weaken the nation’s standing by backing off from a threat to use force."
Nixon may have had a madman strategy, but Trump is a bonafide madman. To make that worse, he is a facile, incessant liar and a thoroughly incompetent commander-in-chief.
His internationally recognized lies have obviously weakened the standing of the nation, as was graphically illustrated by the South Korean reaction.
As for the use of force I have started an office pool taking wagers on when Trump will start a war. I'm giving favorable odds on "sometime in 2017".
It's a morbid bet that I seriously don't want to win.
Nixon may have had a madman strategy, but Trump is a bonafide madman. To make that worse, he is a facile, incessant liar and a thoroughly incompetent commander-in-chief.
His internationally recognized lies have obviously weakened the standing of the nation, as was graphically illustrated by the South Korean reaction.
As for the use of force I have started an office pool taking wagers on when Trump will start a war. I'm giving favorable odds on "sometime in 2017".
It's a morbid bet that I seriously don't want to win.
The president has not the bility to think beyond his latest announcement.
He'll push a health care bill that will blow up in months, as soon as the
public reads it.
HIs bold, aggressive pronouncmenets are made of the moment,
without thought, without understanding, without the knowledge that
ships don't go backwards and bombs sent sailing land somewhere
and do something.
His deals failed, bankruptcy, because he thinks only of the smack on
paper, not at all where it will lead in time to come.
He's seriously deficient. Vile and dirty and Insane as well.
Have
some psyc put that in a category; a number. Must be rare.
He'll push a health care bill that will blow up in months, as soon as the
public reads it.
HIs bold, aggressive pronouncmenets are made of the moment,
without thought, without understanding, without the knowledge that
ships don't go backwards and bombs sent sailing land somewhere
and do something.
His deals failed, bankruptcy, because he thinks only of the smack on
paper, not at all where it will lead in time to come.
He's seriously deficient. Vile and dirty and Insane as well.
Have
some psyc put that in a category; a number. Must be rare.
Bold? Looks to me like it is more short-sighted, unsophisticated, brash, no "big picture" thinking, and more likely to cause an unintentional war.
Lifts him where? he's still got the lowest approval rating for any president at this stage of his tenure than any other....
1
Ever hear "It ain't over 'til the fat lady sings?""
Trump is the fat lady hoping she doesn't trip and fall off the stage.
You are giving this man too much credit.
Trump is the fat lady hoping she doesn't trip and fall off the stage.
You are giving this man too much credit.
2
"Trump's two good weeks?" In the last two weeks we learn that Trump hates Putin , bombs Syria and is ready to nuke North Korea. And now the Dems and liberals are in love with the man. He has taken over Hillary Clinton's old slot of Russia's nemesis. So, Russia didn't hack the election, it was Comey who destroyed her (It's never her) and we again have a lovely bipartisan foreign policy (AKA reign in Russia and China)
America's flawed premises of exceptionalism and indispensablity are again on the move. We can continue the morass in the Middle East and shove back the communist hordes. But this can be a recipe for disaster: As MLK noted, America is a violent, interventionist country. Foreign meddling and domestic inequality can do us in.
America's flawed premises of exceptionalism and indispensablity are again on the move. We can continue the morass in the Middle East and shove back the communist hordes. But this can be a recipe for disaster: As MLK noted, America is a violent, interventionist country. Foreign meddling and domestic inequality can do us in.
2
Ironically, it's actually typical of Trump. He loves, loves, loves Putin for months and years, then Putin puts him on the spot, showing him up, and now he hates the guy. Frankly, I think Putin grossly mis-calculated because he either didn't ever take the WMDs from Assad, or gave them back, or let him build more, and let him do a Saddam Hussein, immediately testing after the US said it wasn't particularly interested. I would have thought Vlad would know better and only a few fools believe the nonsense that the rebels had sarin chem weapons. But it STILL comes back to Trump will expect 10,000 incidents of "loyalty", but it just takes one incident of what HE imagines is "disloyalty" to hate someone forever.
As bellicose as NK is, their famous last test was a dismal failure and no action should be taken without deep consultations with China.
We have an stubbornly ignorant nincompoop as President and he may WELL bumble us into WWIII.
As bellicose as NK is, their famous last test was a dismal failure and no action should be taken without deep consultations with China.
We have an stubbornly ignorant nincompoop as President and he may WELL bumble us into WWIII.
1
Bold? More like scare your enemies and confuse your friends. Or is it the other way 'round? This is neither diplomacy nor any kind of foreign policy. Perhaps the beginnings of autocracy. But bold? Please, NYT.
1
Hey, Donnie, how many "wins" have we racked up? I do not think we are winning anything yet. Are we bored of winning, like you promised? Not a chance.
1
Trump has behaved in a presidential manner just once since he's taken office. How does that outweigh the rest of the ineptitude he's displayed? How does it make up for the rampant conflicts of interest he, his family, his advisors, his cabinet, and others associated with him who are now in the government have when it comes to conducting the people's business? If we were living under a Mussolini, Haiti's Baby Doc, or any number of other dictatorial regimes this would be notable. What stands out the most in Trump's "presidency" is his crass act, his pretensions, his inability to learn from mistakes, and his enormous vanity as he says that he knows better than everyone on every thing.
I miss waking up during the Obama years and knowing that we weren't going to alienate our allies, play chicken with North Korea, or any number of other damaging games. This is not the 1940s and we are not fighting the Axis no matter how pugnacious Trump is towards the world. His ineptitude was dazzling to behold when we said we were sending an armada to the Korean peninsula even though they were thousands of miles away and not sailing towards Korea at all. Does this man not check with his generals before making an important statement about where our ships are? What will he do next? Perhaps drop a nuclear bomb on Luxembourg on the grounds that he heard they had the means to torpedo an aircraft carrier?
I miss waking up during the Obama years and knowing that we weren't going to alienate our allies, play chicken with North Korea, or any number of other damaging games. This is not the 1940s and we are not fighting the Axis no matter how pugnacious Trump is towards the world. His ineptitude was dazzling to behold when we said we were sending an armada to the Korean peninsula even though they were thousands of miles away and not sailing towards Korea at all. Does this man not check with his generals before making an important statement about where our ships are? What will he do next? Perhaps drop a nuclear bomb on Luxembourg on the grounds that he heard they had the means to torpedo an aircraft carrier?
3
What is it with humanity that it admires violence and killing over everything else?
How can vicious lying grandiose conman Trump, the fountain of ignorance, be redeemed by a few expensive bombs?
Hatred of knowledge will be its own reward, but the rest of us will suffer meanwhile.
How can vicious lying grandiose conman Trump, the fountain of ignorance, be redeemed by a few expensive bombs?
Hatred of knowledge will be its own reward, but the rest of us will suffer meanwhile.
3
Susan, are you speaking about the violence and killing of innocent Syrian children by their evil president?
Blinken says about Trump: there's the "gap between his words and his actions." Not only is Trump inconsistent, he most often doesn't get things right. He made a fool of himself in an interview with Ainsley Earhardt on Fox in the White House on Easter Sunday. Asked about North Korea he spoke about they having "been talking with this gentleman for a long time." He maintained this "gentleman" had outplayed Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, saying he, Trump, wouldn't be fooled. The problem is that Trump didn’t seem to know that the “gentleman” - Kim Jong-il - who frustrated Trump predecessors, died in December 2011.
4
That quiet applause you might hear outside your borders..it's called politeness in the face of fiasco. Trump doesn't have a foreign policy, predictable, unpredictable or otherwise. He plays to the crowd, the headlines....and now that his "armada" farce has headlines around the world calling him a "liar" and "incompetent" he's back to rattling sabres at Iran...you know, Mike Flynn's first big foreign policy statement consisting of basically two words: "on notice". I guess his taking on Canada, calling our dairy farmers "a disgrace" isn't getting the bang he wants.
4
'Always keep them guessing' is code for 'I don't have clue what to do next but Ivanka and Jared will think of something'.
5
I think Mr. Trumps misstatement regarding the direction and placement of an aircraft carrier but the world at great risk. It isn't clear if he didn't know where the carrier was or if he didn't know Australia isn't near North Korea and Japan. No one should confuse his unbridled greed and self devotion with intelligence or understanding.
4
Trump has not transitioned from campaign slogans to an actual foreign policy strategy. As a businessman he was cunning and shrewd, but never a deep thinker or much of a reader. Nothing in that regard has changed.
So what is passing for foreign policy is actually being generated by elements within the State Department, the DOD and the intelligence community. Contrary to what most people thought, these elements sought to control Obama and were at least partially successful. The president that sought to end our wars wound up expanding them, albeit with a different tactical approach.
In the foreign policy vacuum that is the White House these days it's not surprising that our ongoing strategic initiatives are proceeding with a heavy emphasis on military action. The neocons within government wanted to overthrow Assad while Bush was president. But Iraq went badly and temporarily delayed that plan.
The talk of further military intervention against Syria and Iran is simply an extension of the neocon agenda for an endless war for American domination. Trump doesn't really understand all this, but he discovered the line he had to take after the massive pushback against his dalliance with detente with Russia.
Serious analysts know the neocon agenda, they just don't know how far Trump can be led to implement it. Bush gave in completely. Obama tried to file down its sharpest edges and so far Trump simply hasn't got a clue other than a sense that his political survival depends on it.
So what is passing for foreign policy is actually being generated by elements within the State Department, the DOD and the intelligence community. Contrary to what most people thought, these elements sought to control Obama and were at least partially successful. The president that sought to end our wars wound up expanding them, albeit with a different tactical approach.
In the foreign policy vacuum that is the White House these days it's not surprising that our ongoing strategic initiatives are proceeding with a heavy emphasis on military action. The neocons within government wanted to overthrow Assad while Bush was president. But Iraq went badly and temporarily delayed that plan.
The talk of further military intervention against Syria and Iran is simply an extension of the neocon agenda for an endless war for American domination. Trump doesn't really understand all this, but he discovered the line he had to take after the massive pushback against his dalliance with detente with Russia.
Serious analysts know the neocon agenda, they just don't know how far Trump can be led to implement it. Bush gave in completely. Obama tried to file down its sharpest edges and so far Trump simply hasn't got a clue other than a sense that his political survival depends on it.
3
This whole administration is absolutely terrifying!! I have not one oda of confidence that they will be able to come together and do what is right for our nation and the world! I think we our in the midst of the end of the world and no thanks to the lame media for putting them there to begin with!!
3
Just getting up and stepping into the shower has risks. Who in the heck has got the time to micro-stew over stuff way out of their control.
As a litigant Trump was a terrible bluffer. As the commander in chief of the world's largest nuclear arsenal? Who knows. Be afraid. Be very afraid.
5
Where are the straight shooters in Congress? Are there no senators or representatives who have the fortitude to stand up to Trump? We need only look back in history to a similar situation when another demagogue held the United States hostage and it a strong willed member of Congress stood up to the unscrupulous Senator McCarthy. It was Margaret Chase Smith of the great state of Maine who had the strength of character to stand up and challenge McCarthy, unlike our congress members today she knew that her constituency would reward her for her courage.
Are there no courageous Republicans in Congess today? Or are they all in agreement with this vile man?
Are there no courageous Republicans in Congess today? Or are they all in agreement with this vile man?
12
Personally, I would welcome it if Mr. T. were to reverse direction on any threats he has made.
When I read a newspaper article describing this as a sign of weakness, it appears to me as if the writer wishes to goad the President into following through on a threat that he later has found to be a stupid one.
We have seen this all too often. The media sponsoring military action in order to sell papers or boost ratings. It has been going on since Hearst.
Where have we seen this before?
Does anyone remember the Vietnam War - in which LBJ kept it going and escalating to save face - no matter what realities were placed before him?
Is this what we want today - when we're dealing with nuclear powers?
Let him change his mind and back off his threats.
I would call that "coming to his senses" - not as a sign of weakness.
And I would much prefer that to the consequences of the alternative: millions killed in a pointless nuclear exchange based on bravado and chest-thumping.
When I read a newspaper article describing this as a sign of weakness, it appears to me as if the writer wishes to goad the President into following through on a threat that he later has found to be a stupid one.
We have seen this all too often. The media sponsoring military action in order to sell papers or boost ratings. It has been going on since Hearst.
Where have we seen this before?
Does anyone remember the Vietnam War - in which LBJ kept it going and escalating to save face - no matter what realities were placed before him?
Is this what we want today - when we're dealing with nuclear powers?
Let him change his mind and back off his threats.
I would call that "coming to his senses" - not as a sign of weakness.
And I would much prefer that to the consequences of the alternative: millions killed in a pointless nuclear exchange based on bravado and chest-thumping.
5
It appears that it's only a question of when another "hot" war will occur on Trumps watch. The man is incredibly incompetent when it comes to diplomacy and global leadership. The media needs to stop praising him like a child who just "pottied" for the first time whenever he holds up some signed document or does something any past person who occupied the Oval Office considered an everyday part of the job.
it will take years to undo the damage that Donald J. Trump will have done America over his term, however long that may be.
it will take years to undo the damage that Donald J. Trump will have done America over his term, however long that may be.
6
It should be clear by now that Trump has no idea what a policy is. To him a campaign slogan I a policy. You act from the gut and don't worry about the fallout. That's what you have staff for. Except this time it might be nuclear fallout that we will worry about.
2
There was one trait obvious in Trump and his people during the presidential campaign: they do not think things through.
Worse, this has carried over into his administration, a very dangerous situation when dealing in foreign affairs.
Yesterday, the Trump administration was beating the drum against Iran. At any moment, I expected the phrase, "a mushroom cloud over New York", to be invoked.
So far, the president has either carried out military action or threatened it against Syria, North Korea, and Iran (a new version of George W. Bush's Axis of Evil?). It seems that the Trump administration is a war looking for a place to happen.
And, that would be a disaster. Our economy and military could not sustain another trillion dollar plus war.
Worse, this has carried over into his administration, a very dangerous situation when dealing in foreign affairs.
Yesterday, the Trump administration was beating the drum against Iran. At any moment, I expected the phrase, "a mushroom cloud over New York", to be invoked.
So far, the president has either carried out military action or threatened it against Syria, North Korea, and Iran (a new version of George W. Bush's Axis of Evil?). It seems that the Trump administration is a war looking for a place to happen.
And, that would be a disaster. Our economy and military could not sustain another trillion dollar plus war.
2
This is not "strategy," nor is it "policy." Don't let us mistake this malign version of Chauncey Gardiner's reckless and profoundly stupid behavior for something other than it is. The self-aggrandizing, ill-informed, narcissistic desire to be adored by millions.
4
Having difficulty getting on with my day. "Bold, Unpredictable Foreign Policy Lifts Trump, but Has Risks." Sounds like a White House press release. Really, NYT? "Bold?" How about impetuous, ill-considered, potentially fool-hardy? Rash? Injudicious?
9
Can't you people EVER say "Good work, Mr. President"? There is always a "but,,,,," in your reasoning.
So far there has been no reason to say "good work mister president".
6
Trump has no plan. Even the bomb attacks were poor policy decisions. There's no follow up for the Syria bombing. And if he was so concerned about those children why won't he increase our refugee acceptance rates.
HUGE and BIGLY bombs being dropped on caves in Afghanistan is not a policy and will not bring us friends.
With every Stupid utterance Trump shows us and the world the fool he is.
HUGE and BIGLY bombs being dropped on caves in Afghanistan is not a policy and will not bring us friends.
With every Stupid utterance Trump shows us and the world the fool he is.
11
It is misguided to refer to Trump's actions as "policy" and I wish the Times would stop. This normalizes his behavior and it is destructive - a reader might actually assume that he has a "policy" or a "plan," or even a "belief." We are not privy to how he gets from A to B, but it is far more likely that whims, emotional reflexes and extraordinary manipulative skills employed for his own, private purposes, are more accurate descriptions of his actions.
15
When I think about bold, unpredictable choices in enacting foreign policy, I think the Donald deserves a lot of credit for his willingness to mix an announcement of a cruise missile strike with dessert. The most beautiful night-time missile launch paired with the most beautiful piece of chocolate cake.
1
Ignorant, arrogant, incompetent, definitely not bold and unpredictable is nto a trait any of us seek in a spouse, business partner, lawyer or doctor so why would that be a characteristic to be admired in our president???????????
12
I would say that mad man circle is much larger that just Trump. The NYTs et al with their propagandistic praise of USs unprovoked attack on Syria certainly seems mad. But I guess the neo cons are beyond any restraint. They want regime change even if that means doing the business of al Qaeda. On China Trump did a nice job getting Ivanka a sweet deal to market her wares in China. Trump is a born chest beater and has limitless chutzpah. The N Korean situation has been confusing and seems to have accomplished nothing except anger S Korea, who now have taken to taunting Trump for his ignorance of the history of the region. As one of today's readers wrote, she's tiried of reading articles that appear to normalize Trump's actions. One can feel a certain weirdness about Trump's actions. That I guess goes along with the mad man act.
3
The statement that Trump may be pivoting toward a more traditional Republican foreign policy is not comforting. After all, Republicans got us into the ill conceived Iraq War and the endless troubles in Afghanistan. Those who lay the blame at President Obama's feet have very short historical memories. Trump's personality disorder, unpredictability, and inability to absorb complex issues (as shown by his request that intelligence briefings be reduced to bullet points and pictures) portend very dangerous times ahead.
6
If you've had experience with an ADD child, you would know that his reactive undertakings are NOT thought through, nor do they amount to a policy!
6
Please Mr. President, demonstrate that you will change from promising things that are (almost always) altered TO having concrete plans that you and your competent senior military advisors AGREE on.
1
Mr. Obama’s lack of executive experience prior to becoming Chief Executive gave us the chaos we now see in the Middle East (and Europe!) and the North Korean threat. BHO and the professorial-types he surrounded himself with were simply ‘in over their heads’.
1
It all started with Obama? Have you no knowledge of even recent history - 9/11, W., Cheney and the rest of the neocons?
5
Ummm that middle East upheaval began during the Bush presidency. Do some homework Mr Patrick.
3
The history of 9/11 tells us that dozens of men originally from the MiddleEast took flying lessons (but not landing lessons). They were in the US for 7 years (during Clintons shenanigans). Flew them directly into the twin towers as well as the Pentagon. Obama came in, and with his "red line", announced to all the evil dictators, that they can do whatever they please.
1
Seems to me that the Aircraft carrier group that was headed away from Korea while Trump said it was redeployed toward NK may have disregarded his assumption that all he has to do is tweet it or say it in a speech and it will be done. This give me a bit a hope that those with smarts will disregard the fool that calls himself President.
1
You can "Wag the dog" once but we have caught up to this presidency which has no substance whatsoever. Fool me once but sorry to say not twice.
Cannot wait to the midterms to send a loud and clear message.
Cannot wait to the midterms to send a loud and clear message.
2
What seems more and more apparent is that everything Trump does is in reaction to Obama; that seems the only rationale for his behavior. If Obama did, said or practiced A, then Trump does, says or practices the opposite of A. It is clear that Trump is ignorant, and consequently has no plan of action based on facts or ideology. The common thread running through everything he has said or done in these first deplorable days of his presidency is the desire to wipe out Obama and his legacy. Let's not even bring up the racist roots of that...
6
Emperor Donnie is proving he is a dunce.
59 cruise missiles did what? Damage some older planes that were being repaired? Within hours that airfield was back in use. Assad went right back to bombing civilians. And that was days after doing a 180 on Assad. People remember stuff like that.
Mother of all bombs? Killed some ISIS guys, moved a lot of dirt. Do we even know which ISIS guys were killed? How many?
Claiming an armada was headed toward North Korea when it was going in the other direction? Made our South Korean allies very angry, and gave the rest of the world a good laugh.
Net accomplishments? Very little. It just makes Emperor Donnie look like a guy with few clues.
59 cruise missiles did what? Damage some older planes that were being repaired? Within hours that airfield was back in use. Assad went right back to bombing civilians. And that was days after doing a 180 on Assad. People remember stuff like that.
Mother of all bombs? Killed some ISIS guys, moved a lot of dirt. Do we even know which ISIS guys were killed? How many?
Claiming an armada was headed toward North Korea when it was going in the other direction? Made our South Korean allies very angry, and gave the rest of the world a good laugh.
Net accomplishments? Very little. It just makes Emperor Donnie look like a guy with few clues.
11
Judging from news reports and analyses, countries are reacting to Trump's plans and actions by gradually reducing their economic and political dependence on the U.S. So: Australia and New Zealand are mulling closer ties to China, Mexico will be buying less grain from America, etc. Won't the net effect be a world in which the U.S. has less international influence and less trade with other countries?
2
The time has come to use a Trumpism and call a spade a spade. This is not an unpredictable foreign policy, it's a failed Trump Presidency.
3
For reasons I have never understood, a large percentage of American voters resent and distrust intelligence in their political candidates. This has been going on since long before Trump. The result is that smart men and women must downplay their gifts, or risk being labelled "elitist", or "too professorial", and/or that people of limited abilities are elevated to positions far above what they are qualified for.
Trump is an extreme example of this anti-intellectualism, but he literally ran on his ignorance. He's a disaster, but in no way a surprise.
Trump is an extreme example of this anti-intellectualism, but he literally ran on his ignorance. He's a disaster, but in no way a surprise.
40
Isn't this resentment and distrust of intelligence and professionalism prevalent in the board rooms of America's largest businesses as well? Don't todays banks, retailers, utilities and the like disdain and resent intelligent and experienced associates in favor of inexperienced employees who simply allow a mindless computer to lead the way?
No, when it comes to corporate behavior, it'a not anti-intellectualism the boards and executives pursue, but profits. As their MBA consultants and WS stock analysts continually tell them, trained well-paid personnel who provide good service with a quality product simply reduces potential per share value. It's far more profitable to employ disposable people of little experience and to offer a mediocre, badly built product, and then, to keep customers from going elsewhere and prices from falling, to buy up the competition and control one's market as a near-monopoly. In short, our corporations are following a long-term strategy to produce profitable garbage with no competition; our voters OTOH are ill-informed citizens (I'm looking at you, NYT) who don't realize their politicians have been picked for them because they will not interfere with this strategy through "anti-free market" government regulation.
Policy? can we start by defining the terms? From Merriam-Webster on line:
1. a: prudence or wisdom in the management of affairs [ nope]
b : management or procedure based primarily on material interest [maybe.., but not necessarily national interests]
2 a : a definite course or method of action selected from among alternatives and in light of given conditions to guide and determine present and future decisions [ doubtful]
b : a high-level overall plan embracing the general goals and acceptable procedures especially of a governmental body [ oh please, goals?]
It seems to me we have some actions which certainly got the attention of enemies as well as allies. I am not sure that they were all bad choices, but as to whether they are a part of an actual thought out policy - - that's quite another thing.
1. a: prudence or wisdom in the management of affairs [ nope]
b : management or procedure based primarily on material interest [maybe.., but not necessarily national interests]
2 a : a definite course or method of action selected from among alternatives and in light of given conditions to guide and determine present and future decisions [ doubtful]
b : a high-level overall plan embracing the general goals and acceptable procedures especially of a governmental body [ oh please, goals?]
It seems to me we have some actions which certainly got the attention of enemies as well as allies. I am not sure that they were all bad choices, but as to whether they are a part of an actual thought out policy - - that's quite another thing.
3
The time has come for the Democrats to shout loud and clear all of Trumps "failed" ventures in making America great again.
2
Bit of a mischaracterization of what Trump has. This implies a reasoned and intelligence based set of actions, the purpose of which is to better the nation and protect its peoples.
This is definitely not Trump under any measure.
This is definitely not Trump under any measure.
4
Here's the deal Don. Its a huge deal, its a great deal your going to love it! Stop your whining about currency manipulations, stop playing up Taiwan, we don't want to hear about trade imbalances or what ever we want to do in the South China Sea. For that we will whisper in our little North Korean lap dog's ear and tell him to stop barking for a while. Got it! That's how deals work. Now slink home, bask in your brief bounces in the poles and come back when you grow up.
3
Bold, unpredictable and stupid. He started the game of chicken with NK, now he plans to do the same thing with Iran. It is just a matter of time before he ignites of WW3. He will do down in history, if there are any people around to write the history of Trump, as the most dangerous man to ever rule the US.
8
The lesson learned--the immediate reinforcement, anyway--is that Trump can look in the mirror and say, 'I'm a big deal, I can change the media focus anytime I want, and dropping bombs is a good look.'
3
Trump is not 'Unpredictable'. He is ignorant, impulsive, and quite frankly dangerous to the US and it's allies. He is a complete disaster...
18
This president is way more into chocolate cake than is normal for a sane adult, and way less equipped to understand what smart people say to him than is normal for a developmentally average 7 year old child.
4
Trump impulsively attacks and starts in with Syria and N. Korea, to deflect attention from investigations re collusion with Russia, his taxes and ethics/conflicts, capping it off by saying that a aircraft carrier was heading toward N. Korean waters, when it was going in the other direction, on another assignment.
Even Trump's deflections need deflection...
Even Trump's deflections need deflection...
4
Let's leave Trump aside for the moment. No one can rationally dispute his childish narcissism, his impulsiveness or his reliance on tactics of a schoolyard bully or the dangers these qualities pose to the rest of the world. But I'm more concerned with the absurd references in this article to "America's standing in the world." Is there a civilization on the planet that sitll trusts the US? that sees it as more than a lawless bully? America's standing in the world is pretty clear, Trump or no Trump: we have the most destructive weapons n the world, and lots of them and are willing to use them gain our objectives. Does anyone know what are objectives are?
5
Trump has no idea what he is doing and he doesn't care about anyone but himself. He should be impeach for dereliction of duty.
4
"...he could weaken the nation's standing?"
Seriously? Where was the concern for the nation for the past eight years under President Hollow Gong No Bells Red Line in the Sand for Nothing Obama? The guy who gave the Iranians millions of dollars, the guy who turned a blind eye on North Korea, made nice with the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, who pulled out of Iraq and gave rise to the JV ISIS Team? Remember him?
Weaken the nation's standing...
Seriously? Where was the concern for the nation for the past eight years under President Hollow Gong No Bells Red Line in the Sand for Nothing Obama? The guy who gave the Iranians millions of dollars, the guy who turned a blind eye on North Korea, made nice with the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, who pulled out of Iraq and gave rise to the JV ISIS Team? Remember him?
Weaken the nation's standing...
3
'"Unpredictable" and "Bold" Foreign Policy'?
How about utterly foolhardy, erratic, and gratuitously provocative?
Syria, North Korea, and Iran all in ONE WEEK? Sounds "like the Axis of Evil" all over again!
And a blatantly transparent attempt to switch the focus from election-tampering, various secret ties to Russia, and a failed domestic agenda!
And yet the media is buying this and running each day's provocation as a lead news story? Why is the news media letting down the US public--yet AGAIN?
How about utterly foolhardy, erratic, and gratuitously provocative?
Syria, North Korea, and Iran all in ONE WEEK? Sounds "like the Axis of Evil" all over again!
And a blatantly transparent attempt to switch the focus from election-tampering, various secret ties to Russia, and a failed domestic agenda!
And yet the media is buying this and running each day's provocation as a lead news story? Why is the news media letting down the US public--yet AGAIN?
4
There is nothing "bold" or "presidential about ANYTHING Trump has done. These two reporters, especially, are intent on normalizing his absurd, possibly illegitimate presidency. Trump is a liar who goes from moment to moment gratifying his own ego and lining his own purse. Period. It's a disgrace that the media keeps giving this grifter a free ride they would never think to give any other occupant of that office. The corruption and rot of his administration is so deep at this point, it would take a team of crack reporters months to uncover it. Might be more useful than praising Trump for walking and chewing gum at the same time the few times he manages it. Like reading a teleprompter without ad-libbing gratuitous insults, calling Mrs Clinton "crooked" and President Obama a "sick guy." Why would you want to enable a vicious demagogue who calls accurate reportage "fake news"? It's pathetic at this point.
8
My biggest fear about Mr. Trump is no longer his unhinged incompetence, it's that the man has no "soul" -- he is morally bankrupt. This is terrifying, although not completely surprising. Mr. Trump and his cronies, including Mr. O'Reilly, who has the gaul to write books talking about old school values and all the while hitting on every woman he meets and Mr. Pence who stands up and says "life" is back at the Supreme Court and with this president - what a bunch of hypocrites they and all of the Republican party members who refuse to stand up to Mr. Trump -- they are already stained -- they will be wearing the scarlet letter atop their foreheads for the rest of their natural lives. The American people will not forget this.
3
Not so bold, really, as far as Syria is concerned. Just not timid, as was the case with the previous administration. Something had to be done, and better late than never. Good and necessary to stand up to Russia as well. Let's hope there's more to come.
2
"Something had to be done,,". So what was done? We lobbed $110M worth of missiles on an air base that was up and running the next day. I guess we showed them a thing or 2.
"Always keep them guessing" may have some merit as a tactic against enemies. But under a Trump administration it's deployed equally to allies, who have no idea whether Trump has their back or will slip a knife into it.
Incompetence, incoherence, improvisation, ignorance and idiocy are not policy and will not end well. But I do hope it ends.
Incompetence, incoherence, improvisation, ignorance and idiocy are not policy and will not end well. But I do hope it ends.
30
Trump is a fool, we have a fool in charge of the White House and he surrounds himself with other fools that don't do their research and have an inability to plan for the country in a congruent manner. Trump is a dangerous man as President he can't lead and he can't think through strategy for a solution. The entire White House Administration is dysfunctional, seems to be a replay of the 1950's with their ideas and posturing as if the American people are as stupid. It's difficult to understand how many of these politians were appointed or nominated or won elections they're out of touch with the people and the needs of the country.
What are the people of Seoul doing? Sitting on their hands and wailing?
The US is not going to put off destroying N.Korea's nuclear facilities simply because N.Korea threatens a civilian center in S.Korea -- the North's actions threaten the world, and it falls to Trump to permanently solve that problem.
The US is not going to put off destroying N.Korea's nuclear facilities simply because N.Korea threatens a civilian center in S.Korea -- the North's actions threaten the world, and it falls to Trump to permanently solve that problem.
1
Why does "Wag the Dog" keep coming to mind?
3
Trump entered the presidency with no experience, knowledge, vision, or temperament for governing a country. He is relying on the only thing he knows: how to run a shady business by outwitting the competition, making lots of money, and "winning" no matter how many people he hurts. Calling him unpredictable and improvisational sounds like he actually has a plan for running the country, which he clearly does not. I think the better descriptors would be erratic, unstable, clueless, and flying by the seat of his pants. It would seem he is learning on the job, although it is doubtful he is learning anything.
5
Trump has become predictable. One major pattern he showed throughout the presidential campaign is on full display now: Big talks first with no plan. He then scrambles to cover his behind with pathetic, convoluted justification, often though the mouth of his poor spokesman Spicer. The media has been generous by saying this is his effective business strategy. On the contrary, his lack of understanding of issues and any well-planned strategies has become evident. I am afraid that Trump will feel compelled to enter an ill-planned war just to upkeep his narcissistic egotism.
5
The man who promised a beautiful new health plan on day 1, a "big beautiful wall" paid for by Mexico and the reestablishment of moribund manufacturing jobs etc. etc. is a bombastic con man. When he said to an interviewer that he bombed Iraq instead of Syria it may not have been just a slip of the tongue. He is careless with facts, cannot keep information in his head, and does not want to read complex briefings on difficult issues. His shallowness knows no bounds. But he likes exerting power and using bombs, that much is clear. The complexity of foreign policy eludes his 10 second attention span. His summary of his meeting with Xi was embarrassing in its superficiality. He is shallow, ill-informed and not that bright but he has access to a stunning array of weapons of mass destruction and the authority to use them at his whim.
Donald Trump is the scariest person in the world.
Donald Trump is the scariest person in the world.
5
The NYT finally is giving Trump some plus-points - about time.
2
Trump is already guilty of treason by not following protocol regarding handling of classified information
4
Perhaps, but that's off-topic to this discussion. Try to focus.
foreign policy?? what foreign policy?? dropping bombs on countries is not foreign policy! bromancing putin is not foreign policy!
9
Perhaps you could enlighten us as to what foreign is? Or what you would suggest? May I suggest that diplomacy has already been exhausted, while the human toll mounts and the suffering increases daily. Let's remember that "dropping bombs" is diplomacy by other means.
1
diplomacy has already been exhausted? at what point has Trump even considered diplomacy?? does he even know what that means??
Do you really believe that the United States has not tried to reason with Assad?
Since President Obama's "rational, predictable statecraft" was mostly ineffective in the regions discussed in this article, Syria, North Korea and Afghanistan, it is at least just as rational to try a different approach. To keep hammering away at something intractable using the same tool is what is irrational. As far as Theodore Roosevelt's dictum goes, it is over one hundred years old. Isn't it possible that it's as out of date as are a lot of things from that era?
3
This is straight out of the Putin Playbook for Dictators.
It's not more complicated than that.
It's not more complicated than that.
5
you don't win football games by being predictable, or build a company like APPLE by being predictable, or make VERTIGO by being predictable, and you absolutely don't do anything to help put out global fires by droning on like a pompous idiot for 8 years, avoiding doing anything to help the suffering that has flooded Europe with millions of refuges and threatens to drive the continent to the right. The left needs to look in the mirror. Its not remotely all right to use nerve gas on civilians or build an army that beheads and tortures and rapes.
2
"Bold, Unpredictable Foreign Policy"---No! How about "Reckless, Feckless, and Brainless"? And yes, the policy is "foreign," but only in the sense of it being strange, unfamiliar, and unheard of.
Please stop trying to find strategy, contour, narrative, or intention in the random self-serving acts of a child with a new box of toys that includes some adult cap pistols and fire crackers.
10
It may have "helped his fortunes" but it doesnt mean it is any good for this country or the world.
6
The so-called "lack of strategy" is a result of a regime change operation in Syria gone wrong.
Now that it has caused 400k deaths and millions of people are displaced, we face the option of making it a lot worse by removing Assad and causing the deaths of millions aligned with the government, which is what our miserable allies want, or letting Assad stay and admit failure, and face the endless whining of those same allies.
That's the balancing game we are playing, which makes it appear as "no strategy" to the hawks.
Now that it has caused 400k deaths and millions of people are displaced, we face the option of making it a lot worse by removing Assad and causing the deaths of millions aligned with the government, which is what our miserable allies want, or letting Assad stay and admit failure, and face the endless whining of those same allies.
That's the balancing game we are playing, which makes it appear as "no strategy" to the hawks.
Fairly clear that Trump just stumbles around from one drastic action to another, with no understanding of what he's doing or what the consequences might be. He has no plan, he has no attention span, and he's remarkably unintelligent. Foolish to look for a strategy from him, he's only concerned with his image and how things look at the moment.
9
Trump's unpredictable and contradictory moves are not a "foreign policy" - the word "policy" implies something that is coherent and thought out. Dropping big bombs and saber rattling, while grabbing headlines, hasn't produced results even if they feel good to the radical right. Any bump in support will fade with the realization that nothing has been accomplished. Lying about sending an armada will only further undermine his credibility.
8
Using military force "emotionally", not having any strategic plans (so that your "policy" has to be called improvisational) and sending forth aggressive, threatening tweets is not going to get the US anywhere except into a war. This so-called administration is not smart, they are profoundly ignorant and I hope to God they are gone, sooner rather than later.
5
"Bold," "risky," "unpredictable" foreign policy, you say.
How about "foolhardy"? How about "reckless"? Because that's what it is.
How about "foolhardy"? How about "reckless"? Because that's what it is.
4
"The biggest risk, critics say, is that Mr. Trump will talk himself into a war. Only slightly less dangerously, he could weaken the nation’s standing by backing off from a threat to use force."
Knowing how much he cares about media coverage, the ground is being prepared by the war hawks to trap him into a war in Syria to remove Assad. The pressure has been on since the day of the strikes, and this article is part of it.
Knowing how much he cares about media coverage, the ground is being prepared by the war hawks to trap him into a war in Syria to remove Assad. The pressure has been on since the day of the strikes, and this article is part of it.
2
This article should not accept Trump's propaganda as true. Trump does not have a "bold, unpredicatable foreign policy." He has created stunts (the one-shot attack in Syria, the "biggest bomb", the aircraft carrier finally going to North Korea) to convince the American electorate that he is tough. There is no real significance to any of these actions--that is fact not opinion--and no policy behind them. This stuff is even worse than the domestic policy stunts, because it confuses our allies. Trump is all about sham, so it is important to label it as such when it happens.
41
"Bold" is not the correct adjective for Trump's foreign policy. Inept, clumsy, or foolish would be much better choices.
9
Crooked lying Trump, our narcissistic ignoramus-in-chief, has no foreign policy; he shoots from the hip, with blindfolded eyes and sealed ears, oblivious to reality and adverse consequences of his ill-advised behavior. He is the 'bull in a china shop', intent in braking any object, and subject, in his way.
4
"Bold" and "unpredictable" look downright reckless when the so-called president falsely threatens an unstable country with nuclear warheads.
The west coast didn't vote for that guy and he's not endearing himself to us by putting our safety at risk because he's a loose cannon or, worse, vindictive.
The west coast didn't vote for that guy and he's not endearing himself to us by putting our safety at risk because he's a loose cannon or, worse, vindictive.
5
What junk!
4
Unpredictable and ineffective, I think that has always been trump's hallmark. He failed in business after business because he never has a plan, just the deal of the moment to make trump look good.
14
He is completely emotion-driven. A very dangerous man.
3
Bold? More like make it up as you go along . . .
6
Oh, they all "loved" George W and the Cheney Administration, as well. One would think after that 8year debacle hardly any Republican would be elected to office for the next 50 years. Maybe that's problem: they don't think.
3
For someone who rode to the White House as a Washington outsider, he has bested the best of Washington insiders. It was Washington Politics as usual. When your ratings tank with defeat of domestic agenda, then what better way to detract attention from your weakness to a show of strength by attacking a foreign country? Typical of a Washington insider, the strike is justified by a heart-wrenching video of a dead Syrian baby. But what about all those heart-wrenching videos of refugee babies? The only difference between the two babies is one is dead, the other is dead with a weak almost imperceptible pulse.
2
The continued fawning over this grossly incompetent liar cheat and thief leaves me in awe of the self-destructive idiocy of the whole US plutocracy.
16
This is the pefect storm for trump enabling him to raise a false flag operation aimed at distancing himself from his Russian overlords in the face of increasing public and congressional scrutiny in regards to the 2016 elections. That it's absoluting lethal stuff he's recklessly playing with doesn't matter. Everything trump does is a stunt with a very calculated eventual outcome. His actions are not 'normal' or benevolent in any way. He's an evil, manipulative man.
5
Trump has established that he does not pay taxes. That philosophy does not extend to his impetuousness when attempting to understand what he will do or not do when confronting international threats. "Our antagonists don’t have any idea of how Trump will respond,” said Senator Mark Warner of Virginia, the highest-ranking Democrat on the intelligence committee.
“That might be great in the short term,” he added, “but it’s not really a long-term strategy for asserting leadership in a world desperate for American leadership.” Mr. Warner.
Therein is the biggest flaw in Trump's "business style" thinking as opposed to having reliable standards that other nations can rely on which in turn authenticate our credibility. The lack of credibility in Trump's international approach is the "tax" the President refuses to pay.
“That might be great in the short term,” he added, “but it’s not really a long-term strategy for asserting leadership in a world desperate for American leadership.” Mr. Warner.
Therein is the biggest flaw in Trump's "business style" thinking as opposed to having reliable standards that other nations can rely on which in turn authenticate our credibility. The lack of credibility in Trump's international approach is the "tax" the President refuses to pay.
5
I am very disappointed, NYT. This lead-in to this article implies that something positive has come from Mr. Trump's "foreign policy." From where I sit, his policy appears to consist of lack of planning, impulsive actions, failure to have a robust diplomatic policy team, and lies about certain aspects of the US efforts at deterrence (i.e., aircraft carrier Carl Vinson). Nothing good will come from this, and to imply otherwise is the height of irresponsibility.
5
You say bold. I say reckless. If "Presidential" is defined as launching hundreds of millions of dollars of cruise missiles against a remote Syrian airfield (without, by the way, putting it out of commission) or pretending to send a threatening carrier group towards North Korea (maybe "pretend" is too strong. Trump appears not to have known where the group was or was headed) then far too many Americans are impressed by posturing and a phony foreign policy.
4
There, the article points out, Trump reacted to the Syrian chemical attack emotionally. Impulsive and emotional are not how foreign policies are formulated. Bold, unpredictable without clear strategy is a recipe for mistakes and miscalculation.
Reading the article, one has the impression that the press and foreign policy experts seize on one episode - bombing of Syrian airbase - to avert their critical eyes on the lack of a articulated foreign policy and knee jerk reactions and harsh statements from the Trump administration.
Reading the article, one has the impression that the press and foreign policy experts seize on one episode - bombing of Syrian airbase - to avert their critical eyes on the lack of a articulated foreign policy and knee jerk reactions and harsh statements from the Trump administration.
1
We’re still waiting for Trump's Tax Returns - let NYT and the rest of the media focus on that. To paraphrase Trump - please hack the so-called President's tax returns please, in order to get real clarity about him. Focus, focus!!!
4
The main question is whether there is enough power for a nation-state Europe to resist everything.
Bye!
Bye!
If the backbone bases are damaged as happened in 2008 and the current financial crisis, its costs are primarily attributed to the official budgets of the states, whose funding has been foresaw in many countries, not just the United States, for the failure of state funds. After 2008, state branches did not have the resources to back up the backbone technical bases (mainly international large banks). The way for background costs to be downgraded to national costs is magical simplicity. With thousands of billion, still unclear nature, the main cathedral of the backdrop, the Federal Reserve, is to finance the shortage of funds and to hurry to save customers outside the United States.
Cont.
Cont.
This was the case between real wages and productivity between 1945 and 1973 at a similar rate, ie the share of labor and capital income and wealth did not change. Real wages, however, stagnate in 1973, while productivity has doubled, and labor generates more and more value. Unfortunately, this is not apparent at state revenues from the increased capital income and their level is low. A large part of the capital income evaporates through "creative accounts", enters into tax havens and enriches the invisibilities of the background power. There are plenty of ways to build and feed these conflicting societies (migrants, adolescent organizations, social de-organizational "knowledge bases") in countries where there is no public talk.
Trump doesn't have a clue. He is the most dangerous kind of leader in that he doesn't know what he doesn't know. All he knows is that he is the center of the universe. He is the little boy that just got put behind the wheel of a Mack truck and can barely see over the dash and reach the pedals.
Many think that he will appoint wise experienced sages that will guide him. First of all, Trump can't be guided. That requires logical thinking. Trump displays no logic. Secondly, the narcissist surrounds himself wth people that feed his need, people that reinforce his beliefs and ego.
So far, the people being mentioned are as unqualified as he is. These people are not prudent conservatives. They are fanatics like he is. These are people that see the world in simple yes-no, black-white relationships. Trade and immigration are perfect examples.
Many think that he will appoint wise experienced sages that will guide him. First of all, Trump can't be guided. That requires logical thinking. Trump displays no logic. Secondly, the narcissist surrounds himself wth people that feed his need, people that reinforce his beliefs and ego.
So far, the people being mentioned are as unqualified as he is. These people are not prudent conservatives. They are fanatics like he is. These are people that see the world in simple yes-no, black-white relationships. Trade and immigration are perfect examples.
3
It's quite simple. The Presidential STUFF can't interfere with his REAL job, the Family Business. The entire point of this escapade.
5
Looking at the dinner table photo. Assuming he wasn't at that moment telling everyone he'd just ordered a missile strike along with the chocolate cake, we must guess - judging by the relaxed, amused expressions around the table ("Oh, Daddy...!) - that he's warming up to that bit of good news to share with Mr. Xi.
Who basks in that atmosphere, given that an order has just been given - along with the chocolate cake order - to launch a missile attack on another country?
Who basks in that atmosphere, given that an order has just been given - along with the chocolate cake order - to launch a missile attack on another country?
5
"againts IRAQ!" "Uh, don't you mean Syria" "Right, Syria"
That should be enough for anyone who thinks there's a "policy" involved.
"It was the most beautiful chocolate cake you've ever seen!" That was the takeaway for the "president".
That should be enough for anyone who thinks there's a "policy" involved.
"It was the most beautiful chocolate cake you've ever seen!" That was the takeaway for the "president".
1
President Xi's reaction is not a positive one for the US as Trump seems to believe. I interpret it as "is this guy really this stupid"? Being a militant provocateur is not a strength, it is a weakness.
Giving your generals a free hand in major military decisions, as he claims about the use of the MOAB in Afghanistan, is not foreign policy. It is Trump not knowing what to do and handing one of his most important responsibilities to people who are not elected to office. The president controlling the military is the manner in which the people, civilians, are supposed to control the military. Now the military controls the military. Don't forget, it was the generals that wanted to use nukes on China during the Korean war and the Vietnam war. They have already used one weapon the previous administration decided not to use. The next step is nuclear weapons.
Giving your generals a free hand in major military decisions, as he claims about the use of the MOAB in Afghanistan, is not foreign policy. It is Trump not knowing what to do and handing one of his most important responsibilities to people who are not elected to office. The president controlling the military is the manner in which the people, civilians, are supposed to control the military. Now the military controls the military. Don't forget, it was the generals that wanted to use nukes on China during the Korean war and the Vietnam war. They have already used one weapon the previous administration decided not to use. The next step is nuclear weapons.
10
"Bold, unpredictable..."
So was Custer.
So was Custer.
9
Over the past four decades, we have come to realize that this gigantic military potential was not primarily a defense of the nation but a kind of "international" disciplinary, deterrent force. The United States as a nation state had little or no benefit, but the more costs it had to bear. It is worth thinking that half of this defense budget could be the first to be in military spending, and today's debt to the US $ 2 trillion today could even be half. Increased military expenditures and, above all, rising public debt need to be funded. It is well demonstrated that the burden of financing falls on taxpayers.
This is illustrated by the richness figures. The welfare share of super-rich people representing one percent of American society declined from 45 percent in 1933 to 21 percent in 1979 in the era of real welfare capitalism. Today, however, has been restored.
This is illustrated by the richness figures. The welfare share of super-rich people representing one percent of American society declined from 45 percent in 1933 to 21 percent in 1979 in the era of real welfare capitalism. Today, however, has been restored.
1
What plan is it that we suddenly are supposed to have to solve the problems of the middle east? Who can wave that magic wand?
I don't agree on many things with Trump but he did the right thing with the missile in Syria. Obama made a line in the sand and then had the sand kicked in his face. Major loss of credibility. Many of these thug dictators do not understand diplomacy.
He promised to be unpredictable with foreign policy in the election cycle. I think it's very calculated and will yield better results. It seemed like before our foreign policy was merely a public relations show giving groups like ISIS too much information.
I don't agree on many things with Trump but he did the right thing with the missile in Syria. Obama made a line in the sand and then had the sand kicked in his face. Major loss of credibility. Many of these thug dictators do not understand diplomacy.
He promised to be unpredictable with foreign policy in the election cycle. I think it's very calculated and will yield better results. It seemed like before our foreign policy was merely a public relations show giving groups like ISIS too much information.
1
As I see it, Obama's (mostly) extremely cautious and conservative foreign policy was a function of his party's weakness in congress rather than calculation, ie CYA because there's only a downside. I have no doubt his actions might have had more of an upside for America with the hold that Trump's party has on Congress. In Trump's thoughtless hands however, Congress' backing is quite literally a recipe for limitless downside.
2
Maybe he's right. Maybe we don't need a foreign policy. Maybe tweets and bluster will work. After all, He is a GREAT MAN. The greatest,yugest, most male man ever.
We don't need no stinkin' foreign policy. It's a sign of weakness.
Or maybe not. What then, Donny?
We don't need no stinkin' foreign policy. It's a sign of weakness.
Or maybe not. What then, Donny?
1
I agree with Nadine.
What is going to take for you guys at the Times to get a clue? You helped to get us into the Iraq war. Have you learned anything from that experience?
What is going to take for you guys at the Times to get a clue? You helped to get us into the Iraq war. Have you learned anything from that experience?
3
The democratic backdrop for a long period of time has been funded by Western democracies and provided financial backing for the invisible "background" self-styled, but now with horrendous costs. Here, I am thinking mainly of the budgets of individual countries and their highly questionable expenditure items and therefore it is increasingly difficult to bear public debts.
Let's start with the United States, with the power that public opinion has always been to some sort of ambition, beyond the reach of national prosperity, and perceived daily. Since the United States has not been a military attack since its existence, it has officially spent more than six hundred billion dollars annually on military spending, with a budget of $ 676 billion for the 2017-18 fiscal year. However, the real number is higher and is still unknown because the numerical examination of defense costs has been waiting for a decade and a half.
Cont.
Let's start with the United States, with the power that public opinion has always been to some sort of ambition, beyond the reach of national prosperity, and perceived daily. Since the United States has not been a military attack since its existence, it has officially spent more than six hundred billion dollars annually on military spending, with a budget of $ 676 billion for the 2017-18 fiscal year. However, the real number is higher and is still unknown because the numerical examination of defense costs has been waiting for a decade and a half.
Cont.
Stop fawning over Trump. Bold? Try reckless. Unpredictable? Try chaotic. He is a disaster waiting to happen, not someone with brains or courage.
17
The voters who put Trump in were tired of the same foreign entanglements of the status quo. Mr. Trump was the only candidate to call the Iraq war a mistake, and pointed out the free ride on defense that NATO, Japan and South Korea enjoy at our expense. The war party is not helping Mr. Trump. Only a pull back of American troops overseas will allow the US to avoid future wars.
1
All military and foreign policy action or inaction has risk.
There had been nothing "bold" about Obama failing to enforce his Red Line or other US objectives for eight years. His inaction was "predictable" but was that a virtue?
Obama had likely been presented the same response (and similar options) by the Pentagon after his Red Line was breached but he chose "none of the above" and the atrocities continued.
It was past time to take action. Trump approved the overdue response to a clear violation of international law and Obama's Red Line.
There had been nothing "bold" about Obama failing to enforce his Red Line or other US objectives for eight years. His inaction was "predictable" but was that a virtue?
Obama had likely been presented the same response (and similar options) by the Pentagon after his Red Line was breached but he chose "none of the above" and the atrocities continued.
It was past time to take action. Trump approved the overdue response to a clear violation of international law and Obama's Red Line.
1
However, with a real convincing power, the backwardness and power of migration served as a means of migration. Democratically-elected governments, for example, pervaded the long-established and legitimate nation-state regime every day, when confronted with the masses that flooded the shrubbery over the necessary centuries of state power (such as border control), to those who still live in law legitimation. But now their voters have something to say, they realized that they were not chosen for that, they did not do what they promised, but they had something else. Things are not called in their name. Everyone who is flooding is called a refugee instead of a livelihood migrant, and it also causes communication. They are not driven by voters, but by others, "invisible", who are not in the interests of our own interests. But voters are beginning to look for moving forces, and sooner or later they find the backward power that has emerged from the force of liberal democracy and sometimes its actions and personalized representatives. Only now they are surprised that they have worked hard for a while before the glaze.
Cont.
Cont.
Caution is the only word I ask Mr Trump to follow. A MIT p[professor has shown that the gas canister carrying poisonous material,Sarin, was not dropped from the air and Assad has been staged. However , US already struck Syria with 65 missiles.Where we stand on this investigation.?
What makes you think he will be cautious about anything, when he has been just the opposite all along?
1
Imre Boros
The backwardness of the deficit
The main question is whether there is enough power for a nation-state Europe to resist everything.
Imre Boros - 2017.04.20. 02:46
A few years earlier, speaking about the background power of the world's destiny, it was even more explicitly excluded from opinion-forming public talk, as those who talked about it used far not the conceptual and vocabulary used by the mainstream opinion as politically correct (pc). With the term "cha-nized", the background of the background power is indescribable and it is not even possible to describe it.
That was precisely the purpose, so it was the ban on non-pc talk, and its users were termed a conspiratorium in the right direction, hate speech distributors, saying that background power does not exist in our world. But today, the situation has changed a lot. Traumatic events that have been severely affected by crowds have been out of the shamelessness of the impenetrable Western liberal democracy, such as the events of the international financial crisis that broke out in 2008.
Cont.
The backwardness of the deficit
The main question is whether there is enough power for a nation-state Europe to resist everything.
Imre Boros - 2017.04.20. 02:46
A few years earlier, speaking about the background power of the world's destiny, it was even more explicitly excluded from opinion-forming public talk, as those who talked about it used far not the conceptual and vocabulary used by the mainstream opinion as politically correct (pc). With the term "cha-nized", the background of the background power is indescribable and it is not even possible to describe it.
That was precisely the purpose, so it was the ban on non-pc talk, and its users were termed a conspiratorium in the right direction, hate speech distributors, saying that background power does not exist in our world. But today, the situation has changed a lot. Traumatic events that have been severely affected by crowds have been out of the shamelessness of the impenetrable Western liberal democracy, such as the events of the international financial crisis that broke out in 2008.
Cont.
The left's knee jerk criticism reminds me of the right's knee jerk criticism of President Obama. Our nation is truly in a sad state. I applauded Obama when he took action against our enemies even though I disagreed with him on virtually every other issue.
Our passion to paint people as 100% evil or 100% good gets in the way of our ability to rationally evaluate individual actions. I remember the left's anger against the right for criticizing Obama for things that they would have applauded if a republican did the exact same thing. I think now the left is committing the same irrationality.
Our passion to paint people as 100% evil or 100% good gets in the way of our ability to rationally evaluate individual actions. I remember the left's anger against the right for criticizing Obama for things that they would have applauded if a republican did the exact same thing. I think now the left is committing the same irrationality.
5
It isn't "knee-jerk," it's borne of the fact that people think Trump is not a good person, so then probably nothing he does could be any good. This may not be logical or correct, but that's what it is. I fail to see why anyone left or right would have thought Obama is not a good person. So in that case, the criticism was "knee-jerk" because it was just an outright rejection for some kind of political opposition.
1
You don't have to be on the left to be rational, but apparently it seems to help.
4
Steve,
Raising false equivalences is no way to handle the dangerous situation we find ourselves in. Whether one's politics run to the left, center, right or some combination, there is no way to not be alarmed at the aimless, emotional, reality TV approach that Trump takes to these life and death foreign policy and military issues.
It's not "knee-jerk" to react to these ill-conceived misadventures with grave concern. It's rational. We are all now just relying on luck and restraint on the part of our adversaries. I hope our luck and their restraint holds up.
Raising false equivalences is no way to handle the dangerous situation we find ourselves in. Whether one's politics run to the left, center, right or some combination, there is no way to not be alarmed at the aimless, emotional, reality TV approach that Trump takes to these life and death foreign policy and military issues.
It's not "knee-jerk" to react to these ill-conceived misadventures with grave concern. It's rational. We are all now just relying on luck and restraint on the part of our adversaries. I hope our luck and their restraint holds up.
3
Don't worry NYT I'm sure in the coming days and months you'll have more chances to oohh and ahhh over bombs indiscriminately dropped on countries. Try not to suck up to the Con Man too much as it might affect your subscription base. By the way where are the updates on the Senate and House Russian investigation? Have you toadies grown bored with that already?
4
Yet another great comparison of Trump to Richard Nixon. Looking forward to the final comparison: Trump's departure from office.
1
Trump is providing Kim Jong Un plenty of belly laughs. Trump's tough talk reminds us of Trump's epic battles with Rosie O'Donnell.
2
Ah... say what you want about Trump, but it's the always-predictable NY Times.
"Mr. Trump won praise for his missile strike on Syria, even from those who have criticized his approach to other crises...."
Yes. Namely.... you!! Bomb bomb bomb away, while America falls apart. Attacking a country unnecessarily -- bound to get the establishment's, the New York Times's, gushing approval. As important for an American president as for an Israeli office-seeker to have been prosecuted for graft.
"... Though the president moved swiftly — and by all accounts, emotionally — after a deadly chemical weapons attack by Syria’s president, Bashar al-Assad, the attack was measured, well planned and followed by an aggressive White House effort to establish Russia’s complicity with the Assad government."
And if it's Syria, if it's Russia... follow rule #1 of the new journalism. Just lie!! ZERO proof Syria was behind chemical attack.
And you overlooked Nikki Haley's Israel-first talk to AIPAC. As in, settlements? What settlements? International law? What international law? A rock around America's neck? What rock? BDS is pure evil and you people are the greatest!! That's when the good press started. (Or is that rule #1?)
(And a story about Sheldon Adelson, who, after seeing Trump win the Republican nominee, quickly donates $5 million to his inauguration, gets sat in seat 1, row 2 -- but no mention of Israel in the story! He won't like that!)
Such a slapdash effort. The norm today for the NYT.
"Mr. Trump won praise for his missile strike on Syria, even from those who have criticized his approach to other crises...."
Yes. Namely.... you!! Bomb bomb bomb away, while America falls apart. Attacking a country unnecessarily -- bound to get the establishment's, the New York Times's, gushing approval. As important for an American president as for an Israeli office-seeker to have been prosecuted for graft.
"... Though the president moved swiftly — and by all accounts, emotionally — after a deadly chemical weapons attack by Syria’s president, Bashar al-Assad, the attack was measured, well planned and followed by an aggressive White House effort to establish Russia’s complicity with the Assad government."
And if it's Syria, if it's Russia... follow rule #1 of the new journalism. Just lie!! ZERO proof Syria was behind chemical attack.
And you overlooked Nikki Haley's Israel-first talk to AIPAC. As in, settlements? What settlements? International law? What international law? A rock around America's neck? What rock? BDS is pure evil and you people are the greatest!! That's when the good press started. (Or is that rule #1?)
(And a story about Sheldon Adelson, who, after seeing Trump win the Republican nominee, quickly donates $5 million to his inauguration, gets sat in seat 1, row 2 -- but no mention of Israel in the story! He won't like that!)
Such a slapdash effort. The norm today for the NYT.
2
I really do NOT care what NY Times and it's Lefty Liberal authors have to write about Donald Trump because of how they have been so clearly exposed to be so biased against the guy. It is well nigh impossible to read an article in NY Times and not come to conclusion how biased it is.
1
In that case sticking to facts is what you need to do.
If you want to appraise Trump then take a good hard look at the health insurance replacement he tried very hard to pass. Was it in the best interest of the American people? Then take a look at the changes that have been made in regulations. Are they pro-business or pro employee?
Then take a look at the suffering of the people in Flint when their water was tainted. What will be the result of environmental regulations on water and air quality be in say ten years? Forget about left and right for a moment and ask yourself if this is what you really wanted for yourself, for this country?
If you want to appraise Trump then take a good hard look at the health insurance replacement he tried very hard to pass. Was it in the best interest of the American people? Then take a look at the changes that have been made in regulations. Are they pro-business or pro employee?
Then take a look at the suffering of the people in Flint when their water was tainted. What will be the result of environmental regulations on water and air quality be in say ten years? Forget about left and right for a moment and ask yourself if this is what you really wanted for yourself, for this country?
1
Did you not care when the NYT was critical of Obama? Try evaluating facts for a change instead of just trotting out the usual right wing charges of bias. The NYT is one of the last real newspapers out there. We need to support the free press, not bash them just because we disagree.
2
BOLD? The NY Times is so scared of any type of backlash, it is now
refusing to call Trump what he really is (a self-serving moron) and his policies what they are (reckless and dangerous). Not to mention Tillerson's inflammatory
remarks towards Iran. They just wish to end civilization apparently.
Buy a warm coat..nuclear winter is around the corner.
refusing to call Trump what he really is (a self-serving moron) and his policies what they are (reckless and dangerous). Not to mention Tillerson's inflammatory
remarks towards Iran. They just wish to end civilization apparently.
Buy a warm coat..nuclear winter is around the corner.
4
Stagger loudly with a small stick.
6
According to Mr Blinken Obama tried to "speak softly but carry a big stick"!
Now that has got to be the howler of the year. Obama carried more of a limp noodle than a "big stick". Ha, what a joker that Blinken is.
Now that has got to be the howler of the year. Obama carried more of a limp noodle than a "big stick". Ha, what a joker that Blinken is.
2
That "limp noodle" killed Bin Laden. Obama haters have the shortest memories, do tell.
1
20,000 air strikes by US on Syria and thousands of drone strikes everywhere is "limp", eh? Guess endless war and death are required for harder noodles.
2
"If he backs off from a threat, he could weaken the nation's standing"
Ummm...like Obama and the red line in Syria?
Ummm...like Obama and the red line in Syria?
2
Ummm...Obama tried the red line approach with Syria. Didn't work, but we didn't go to war there.
You sure you're comfortable with the alternative?
You sure you're comfortable with the alternative?
1
Really? From the NYT in 2013 " Mr. Obama at the political mercy of House Republicans, many of whom have opposed him at every turn and have already suggested that Syria’s civil war does not pose a threat to the United States...."
3
The whole world is more comfortable when the US is strong and assertive.We have a ways to go after the last eight years ,but it can be done.
1
The bombing of Syria may have some effect, but it was quickly nullified by his "armada" fiasco, or lets just name it a typical Trump's lie. Which only suggests that decissions about them were made elswhere, and Trump is left to either lie, or comment after the fact.
The most dangerous thing for Trump to find out is that, by news grabbing bombing actions, he may increase his standing. He will certainly try to be more involved in insisting to use it as a way to leverage his popularity.
The most dangerous thing for Trump to find out is that, by news grabbing bombing actions, he may increase his standing. He will certainly try to be more involved in insisting to use it as a way to leverage his popularity.
1
It's one thing to bomb a relatively helpless country like Syria, but you don't intimidate the Russians or the North Koreans by launching an armada in the wrong direction.
39
The fact that we attacked an airstrip or that we dropped a big bomb do not matter whatsoever. These are means, not ends.
The media and people reporting on Trump need to remember that military action *is a policy tool*. You take military action to accomplish something, not for the sake of taking military action.
What matters is why we did what we did, where we are heading, and how we will get there.
I certainly can't answer these questions and I suspect that Trump can't either.
That's the story.
The media and people reporting on Trump need to remember that military action *is a policy tool*. You take military action to accomplish something, not for the sake of taking military action.
What matters is why we did what we did, where we are heading, and how we will get there.
I certainly can't answer these questions and I suspect that Trump can't either.
That's the story.
3
You mean he could weaken it further than Obama when he backed off his red line in the sand and countless other similar incidents?
2
Speak loudy and carry a small stick?
2
What we are seeing is not "bold, unpredictable foreign policy". It is a sociopath gaslighting both our friends and our enemies. Trump has no policy. His actions are purely situational and intended to sow doubt and confusion so he can manipulate and control.
But this will not end well. As many have said it is dangerous to scare your friends and confuse your enemies.
But this will not end well. As many have said it is dangerous to scare your friends and confuse your enemies.
7
The 'madman theory' works for Kim Jong-Un, Rouhani, Bashar Al-Assad and Putin, to name a few. The problem is, they really are madmen.
1
Our guy is just lost in space.
1
NY Times -- you are being a willing dupe in allowing this story to be reported as if we have a president with a strategy in foreign affairs.
The only strategy is to distract the media and populace from the Russia investigation and tax return debacle.
The only strategy is to distract the media and populace from the Russia investigation and tax return debacle.
14
"NY Times -- you are being a willing dupe in allowing this story to be reported as if we have a president with a strategy in foreign affairs."
Absolutely correct! It should never have been published because it does not reflect the views of the NYT regulars. What in the world is happening to this paper?
Absolutely correct! It should never have been published because it does not reflect the views of the NYT regulars. What in the world is happening to this paper?
Why is the Navy apparently sabotaging the White House with a picture of the ship, that was announced headed toward North Korea, going in the wrong direction? This is troubling.
"Bold, Unpredictable Foreign Policy Lifts Trump, but Has Risks"
Unpredictable, yes, but *Bold*? Here's a list of related words the NYT could have used, from the Merriam Webster Thesaurus :
"brash, daredevil, foolhardy, heedless, hotheaded, impetuous, imprudent, impulsive, incautious, madcap, overbold, overconfident, rash, reckless, thoughtless"
Word choice matters. We should have called out Trump's habitual lies during the Presidential campaign. Let's not give this liar that kind of cover now that he's got his finger on the button.
Unpredictable, yes, but *Bold*? Here's a list of related words the NYT could have used, from the Merriam Webster Thesaurus :
"brash, daredevil, foolhardy, heedless, hotheaded, impetuous, imprudent, impulsive, incautious, madcap, overbold, overconfident, rash, reckless, thoughtless"
Word choice matters. We should have called out Trump's habitual lies during the Presidential campaign. Let's not give this liar that kind of cover now that he's got his finger on the button.
7
Is this talking about Trump's claim that "an armada was steaming" towards North Korea when in fact it was moving in the opposite direction?
Their level of incompetence in domestic policy( no "wins") could be the same as their incompetence in foreign affairs.
Even the base must be wondering about now.
Their level of incompetence in domestic policy( no "wins") could be the same as their incompetence in foreign affairs.
Even the base must be wondering about now.
2
A "fake" armada, perhaps? Not to worry. If any thing goes wrong, President Double-Down will in fact.....double down.
Rational and predictable statecraft of Obama? From meaningless red lines to Susan Rice and John Kerry making fools of themselves at the UN and in Europe, Obama had no desire or plan to advance American interests. As a person who believes the nation state was an obsolete concept he did all he could to reduce American hegemony across the globe allowing people who wish us ill to fill the vacuum.
2
Come now Donald don't you have an "armada" to find?
2
What Trumpski has found is that he can manipulate the media with bombs better than with tweets. Apparently it's faster and easier.
2
Blowing up a few things is not "bold" and it is certainly not a policy, or even a tactic in support of a strategy.
It is fireworks to make reporters go "ooo......ahhhh.....ooooo.....ahh......"
It SHOULD diminish this nit wit even further if accurately reported.
It is fireworks to make reporters go "ooo......ahhhh.....ooooo.....ahh......"
It SHOULD diminish this nit wit even further if accurately reported.
9
Is it bold to drop a giant bomb that apparently did very little?
Is it bold to declare that an aircraft carrier is heading to North Korea when it was actually going in the opposite direction?
Is it bold to fire off missiles at Syria, which also did little damage, when the attack has no connection to any actual policy?
No. These are ad hoc actions that verge on, or demonstrate, nothing more than incompetence. An adolescent leader trying to prove he's tough.
Is it bold to declare that an aircraft carrier is heading to North Korea when it was actually going in the opposite direction?
Is it bold to fire off missiles at Syria, which also did little damage, when the attack has no connection to any actual policy?
No. These are ad hoc actions that verge on, or demonstrate, nothing more than incompetence. An adolescent leader trying to prove he's tough.
5
Bold-faced Liar.
And that's his domestic policy, too.
And that's his domestic policy, too.
8
"Bold" is for when you know what the H you're doing.
3
Bold? Lifts Trump? It's fawning headlines and crap analysis like this that this week got me to stop subsidizing this paper with a hardcopy subscription. I will miss being able to use "Ivanka Trump is a moderating influence" puff pieces in my bird cage.
9
The timing of these acts is suspicious. Trump is creating distraction from the investigations of his campaign. Paul Ryan is complicit in his chest beating. My fear is they will take this to the Nth degree. You can be sure that it won't be their children being killed in a war.
3
The nyt has succumbed to DJT. It is reporting on him as if he were a normal chief executive instead of reporting the absurdity of his thoughts, words, and deeds, not to mention is lies.
9
Sounds like the NYT chorus is hoping for another major failure in foreign policy much like "crossing the red line..."
1
Oh honey I want BIGLY failures for the Liar in Chief. In fact I want complete collapse.
3
How true, Erik. They are like something one might associate with Gilbert and Sullivan... Amusing...
1
There is no foreign policy in the present Trump administration. They may come up with one when Jared comes back from vacation.
It does not matter though because Trump is a liar. Any, any utterance by Trump is subject to a high degree of skepticism. American credibility has tanked internationally in direct proportion to Trump's lift in ratings. The world is not impressed with Trump's bombs. They do not signify foreign policy. They show the world that America has an erratic and impulsive president who lies. Scared, sure who wouldn't be? A reckless leader to his nation and the world. Sounds like someone else we know and fear. Maybe the world could impose some sanctions on Trump.
It does not matter though because Trump is a liar. Any, any utterance by Trump is subject to a high degree of skepticism. American credibility has tanked internationally in direct proportion to Trump's lift in ratings. The world is not impressed with Trump's bombs. They do not signify foreign policy. They show the world that America has an erratic and impulsive president who lies. Scared, sure who wouldn't be? A reckless leader to his nation and the world. Sounds like someone else we know and fear. Maybe the world could impose some sanctions on Trump.
8
I am sorry, but if there's really a method and strategy to Trump's foreign policy, I will be beyond shocked. That will mean he is truly an absolute genius and a master Machiavellian. Is that possible? Perhaps, but only if his avowed distaste for reading, facts and analysis is also part of a masterful ruse. If that turns out to be the case, and Trump really is a genius and master of all things political, then I'll crawl away and become a hermit and perhaps take a vow of silence.
4
Sen. Tom Cotton prattles rubbish if he thinks this President is more consistent with 70 years of US foreign policy than Barack Obama was. The very confusion and anxiety that this White House sets off at home and abroad are utterly different from the demeanor of Obama and serious Presidents like Carter and the First Bush and his team. Reagan had the good sense to listen to people like Jim Baker and George Shultz. Even Bush Two at last listened to his father and Robert Gates. This President acts as though the only thing or person he listens to are the chaos in his brain when he wakes up. Is Tom Cotton a product of Harvard Law or the blind hollows of the Arkansas hills?
12
For the next trick how about sitting squarely atop a small mound in a toga with a fiddle in hand.
2
Is he 'unpredictable" or crazy ir is he untrustworthy? these are the issues the foreign leaders will be debating now in their capitals?
1
Trump, who doesn't read, had "The Art of the Deal" ghost written for him, then proceeded to negotiate his businesses into six bankruptcies, numerous costly high-profile failures, and several frauds, also negotiating the loss of his children and huge alimonies in order to silence the two wives who divorced him.
China, who boasts the world's richest literary, philosophical and historical traditions, produced "The Art of War" over two thousand years ago, and is still standing as strong as ever today.
Trump is a fraud and a phony and is not up to the task.
He might have fooled enough American voters, after Russian propagandists helped fool them, but he certainly isn't fooling the Chinese.
China, who boasts the world's richest literary, philosophical and historical traditions, produced "The Art of War" over two thousand years ago, and is still standing as strong as ever today.
Trump is a fraud and a phony and is not up to the task.
He might have fooled enough American voters, after Russian propagandists helped fool them, but he certainly isn't fooling the Chinese.
14
The Times should stop trying so hard to find logic in Trump's actions, you give him too much credit. He is a dim-witted narcissist more concerned with himself and how he looks than policy. He can't understand policy, because it requires reading more than 2 pages.
Kim Jong-un of North Korea and Saddam Hussein of Iraq were similarly irrational and unpredictable. It makes it impossible to predict what they would do next. However, they didn't have our nuclear arsenal to play with as they were mostly bluster to keep their citizens and dangerous neighbors at bay. Trump, on the other hand, can create real, long-lasting problems. His attack in Syria might have fed his ego, but it was plainly an act of war and illegal without Congressional Authorization.
Republicans should be very concerned with these random, irrational actions as he is unlikely to be paying attention to them in a month. His lack of follow through will destroy any positive short-term results.
Kim Jong-un of North Korea and Saddam Hussein of Iraq were similarly irrational and unpredictable. It makes it impossible to predict what they would do next. However, they didn't have our nuclear arsenal to play with as they were mostly bluster to keep their citizens and dangerous neighbors at bay. Trump, on the other hand, can create real, long-lasting problems. His attack in Syria might have fed his ego, but it was plainly an act of war and illegal without Congressional Authorization.
Republicans should be very concerned with these random, irrational actions as he is unlikely to be paying attention to them in a month. His lack of follow through will destroy any positive short-term results.
5
"He is a dim-witted narcissist... He can't understand policy, because it requires reading more than 2 pages."
This is the thing. He CANNOT have a real strategy because he doesn't have even the beginnings of knowledge on which to base it. He knows nothing about histories, cultures, characters, or even what's happened in the past thirty years. He doesn't even know that N. Korea's Kim is not his father.
What kind of strategy can you possibly come up with if you have no knowledge or understanding of anything related to the situation?
NYT, please stop pretending that such a shallow brain CAN have anything as substantial as a strategy.
This is the thing. He CANNOT have a real strategy because he doesn't have even the beginnings of knowledge on which to base it. He knows nothing about histories, cultures, characters, or even what's happened in the past thirty years. He doesn't even know that N. Korea's Kim is not his father.
What kind of strategy can you possibly come up with if you have no knowledge or understanding of anything related to the situation?
NYT, please stop pretending that such a shallow brain CAN have anything as substantial as a strategy.
1
Trump has yet to realize that there is a difference between his business experience and world diplomacy. In business if he cheated someone there were always others who would deal with him. Even when banks stopped loaning him money because he failed so often, he went overseas, to Russia, for funding.
On the world stage there are only a few players. If you say things that are not true, if you double cross your partners, if you in other words, act like Trump did in his business, then the countries who matter will not deal with you. If we want to influence North Korea, China is the only country who can. There is no one else. Playing games with President Xi Jinping is stupid and harmful to what we want to accomplish.
Everything is connected, what you do in one area and how you do it, influences other people around the globe. You can no longer shoot your mouth off with no consequences. People are watching and taking notes. Time to grow up Mr. Trump, words and actions matter.
On the world stage there are only a few players. If you say things that are not true, if you double cross your partners, if you in other words, act like Trump did in his business, then the countries who matter will not deal with you. If we want to influence North Korea, China is the only country who can. There is no one else. Playing games with President Xi Jinping is stupid and harmful to what we want to accomplish.
Everything is connected, what you do in one area and how you do it, influences other people around the globe. You can no longer shoot your mouth off with no consequences. People are watching and taking notes. Time to grow up Mr. Trump, words and actions matter.
I will not praise the missile attack on Syria. It was a largely pointless attack. Russia & Assad still hold the upper hand in Syria, the airstrip in question is apparently still in use/operational, and Assad has continued using lethal weapons of all sorts against his own people. Nothing short of starting an all-out war will change any of that and firing missiles seems like a good first step towards starting said war.
The praise Trump received for the Syria attack is misplaced. Plenty of people wanted to strike a blow at Assad and I don't blame them for being happy when Trump ordered retaliation. But, strategically it was a pointless gesture that changes nothing and just brings us that much closer to getting embroiled in another draining, foreign conflict with no good solution. Nobody wants that. Keep us out of it.
The praise Trump received for the Syria attack is misplaced. Plenty of people wanted to strike a blow at Assad and I don't blame them for being happy when Trump ordered retaliation. But, strategically it was a pointless gesture that changes nothing and just brings us that much closer to getting embroiled in another draining, foreign conflict with no good solution. Nobody wants that. Keep us out of it.
2
It tells a lot about a country when all you need is to talk aggressive and act violently in order to improve your polls
7
Bold an unpredictable? Really? How about unprepared and unqualified? His foreign policy is lifting him? Lifting him from where? The sewer or the bottom of the swamp "he's draining"? The free pass that the press affords this buffoon is astounding. He lobs 59 missies into an airbase that the Russia and Syrians cleared out and were operating in 16 hours later. The "mother of all bombs" to kill 39 people. How about the armada going the wrong way? He's being hoisted hopefully onto his own petard.
96
"Bold"? you mean like Bold in "The Bold and the Beautiful" soap opera?
1
Bold moves by Trump? Not for a moment! Only self promoting moves. Unless Trump is brought to heel by Mattis and McMasters, his self promotion vis-a-vis so-called bold moves will endanger global peace.
Trump's decades behavior is unchanged, it has been reckless in his business and consequences documented. Trump must always be treated as a 'Zero Tolerance' problem. Lives hang in this balance.
Trump's decades behavior is unchanged, it has been reckless in his business and consequences documented. Trump must always be treated as a 'Zero Tolerance' problem. Lives hang in this balance.
Trump's moves may be risky, but they're almost certainly less risky than continuing Obama's do-nothing policy that resulted in this cancer continuing to grow. Obama's desire to avoid confrontation when the stakes were smaller drove up the risk for later presidents - and for all of us.
1
This is disgusting: how can you say Trump didn't time the Syrian bombing when the article opened describing President Xi's reaction to it?
Man almighty are we in trouble with a "commander" in chief more interested in his personal ratings than developing a coherent plan to help allies preserve security in the world and careful resolution of world crises.
Trump is in so far over his head that he's dangling from the sky. I hope his "generals" realize that the most important part of their job is managing Donald Trump and getting him to tame his most reckless impulses.
Man almighty are we in trouble with a "commander" in chief more interested in his personal ratings than developing a coherent plan to help allies preserve security in the world and careful resolution of world crises.
Trump is in so far over his head that he's dangling from the sky. I hope his "generals" realize that the most important part of their job is managing Donald Trump and getting him to tame his most reckless impulses.
8
"Trump is in so far over his head that he's dangling from the sky."
That doesn't make too much sense, but otherwise -- good points, Christine!!
That doesn't make too much sense, but otherwise -- good points, Christine!!
1
Um, NYT. Just an afterthought. Take a look at the lead article in today's Washington Post: Trump and his aides sow confusion with mixed signals on foreign affairs.
Not a bold, unpredictable chest thump in sight. Maybe President Xi's eyes opened wide in surprise because he couldn't believe what the unstable, immature, uninformed man next to him had just done.
Not a bold, unpredictable chest thump in sight. Maybe President Xi's eyes opened wide in surprise because he couldn't believe what the unstable, immature, uninformed man next to him had just done.
24
Yes, and the fact the Times quoted Tom Cotton, the biggest lightweight in DC to buttress Trump, says all.
Best case scenario, this so-called administration will terminate in four years (or less) as a national embarrassment... But, as the weeks go by, I fear it is much more likely to end in a global disaster..
1
Bomb Syria airports one day, MOAB missle Afghanistan shortly thereafter, and almost onward to North Korea (with a little ship detour here and there), and then of course, Iran, in the mix. What will he come up with next? Melania calls it "shaking things up" but what do we call it? Insanity, irresponsible, maybe even the old deplorable word?
Let's just call it the Donald Trump solution to "Making America Great" - remember that old saying? You'll find it embroidered on some little kid's autographed hat in DC somewhere......
Ah, Donald, only less than 48 hours til Mar-a-Lago this week....Hang in there. See how fast the work week goes when you try to muscle your power around the world and alienate and scare everyone in the meanwhile? But you know, you can always bring company down to the Lago too, foreign leaders, et al. A taste of international between golf games and NYC wife visits.
The life of our bully at the helm.
Let's just call it the Donald Trump solution to "Making America Great" - remember that old saying? You'll find it embroidered on some little kid's autographed hat in DC somewhere......
Ah, Donald, only less than 48 hours til Mar-a-Lago this week....Hang in there. See how fast the work week goes when you try to muscle your power around the world and alienate and scare everyone in the meanwhile? But you know, you can always bring company down to the Lago too, foreign leaders, et al. A taste of international between golf games and NYC wife visits.
The life of our bully at the helm.
45
There is nothing bold about trump's foreign policy. It is actually simple and well worn. In order to deflect from his terrible polling numbers and his disgraceful "presidency," trump decided to blow something up. The Syrian airport was operational two days after trump bombed it. The MOAB, while deadly, will not stop ISIS. trump is ignorant and dangerous in all matters, especially foreign policy. He will lead us into war to satisfy his ego. That is not foreign policy. It is madness.
1
Trump is a blowhard who will eventually need to put up but he won't shut up. Trump, sabre rattling Mike Pence, the vacillating Tillerson, and the military junta (Mattis, Kelly, McMasters) are currently painting the U.S. into a corner where the choices will be to lose face of fight. Either way N. Korea will win because China will not let it fall or be reunified. Actually, contrary to all of the experts N. Korea has leverage over China. I don't need Xi' history lesson to remember what happened in 1950 at the Yalu River. Sure it was 67 years ago but the China's policy regarding N. Korea hasn't changed no more than the U.S. policy of no missiles in Cuba.
1
one simple word sums up his strategy - REACTIVE.
2
Please stop trying to pretend that he has some kind of strategy. He has only one note: that of threatening, bullying, and using force.
The Syria attack that was so praised is in the nature of a stopped clock being right twice a day. Yeah, OK, he knows how to drop bombs. (Too bad none of them were aimed at the runways.) That's why we've all been afraid he's going to get us into a war—because he has no other ability for resolving problems.
Please, integrate what you already know about the guy—the lying, the strong-arming of small contractors, the threats to the women who came out about sexual assault. Stop pretending he's got some kind of real strategy. This is scary and you're not doing anything to cast light on it.
The Syria attack that was so praised is in the nature of a stopped clock being right twice a day. Yeah, OK, he knows how to drop bombs. (Too bad none of them were aimed at the runways.) That's why we've all been afraid he's going to get us into a war—because he has no other ability for resolving problems.
Please, integrate what you already know about the guy—the lying, the strong-arming of small contractors, the threats to the women who came out about sexual assault. Stop pretending he's got some kind of real strategy. This is scary and you're not doing anything to cast light on it.
5
"The Syria attack that was so praised is in the nature of a stopped clock being right twice a day."
Exactly!!!!!!
Exactly!!!!!!
1
Don't really love the word 'bold' when characterizing Mr. T's actions. Too much of a positive connotation. Would you describe a teenager taking risks without considering the consequences 'bold?'
Also, not buying the timing of Syrian air strikes having nothing to do with having Chinese guests to dinner.
Lastly, if I was Mr. Xi, I'd be feeling used. Mr. T has a history of using people as props. Not in a good way. Mr. Trump may have thought this would be a teachable moment for Mr. Xi; but I'm not sure DT is a qualified educator.
Also, not buying the timing of Syrian air strikes having nothing to do with having Chinese guests to dinner.
Lastly, if I was Mr. Xi, I'd be feeling used. Mr. T has a history of using people as props. Not in a good way. Mr. Trump may have thought this would be a teachable moment for Mr. Xi; but I'm not sure DT is a qualified educator.
2
While the NY Times is a better source of news than many others, this article is crap. The title, "Bold, Unpredictable Foreign Policy Lifts Trump" is an absurd and dangerous attempt to normalize a commander in chief that is inept, impulsive and laden with conflicts of interest.
The article asserts that Trump's recent military actions have lifted his mood and poll numbers. Is this the metric we should use to assess the effectiveness of foreign policy decisions? Perhaps the shameful fawning the traditional media has done over Trump dropping a few bombs has lead to his improved mood and slightly better poll numbers.
The article states, "there are signs it has also made an impact on the Chinese, prodding them to finally use their leverage with their errant neighbor, North Korea" but it offers no evidence that this is the case.
While the article asserts that Trump used to view Russia as a potential ally and now views with suspicion, it fails to describe the highly suspicious context for Trump to have any opinion on Russia.
Stop normalizing Trump in a vain effort to appear fair and balanced. Wake up.
The article asserts that Trump's recent military actions have lifted his mood and poll numbers. Is this the metric we should use to assess the effectiveness of foreign policy decisions? Perhaps the shameful fawning the traditional media has done over Trump dropping a few bombs has lead to his improved mood and slightly better poll numbers.
The article states, "there are signs it has also made an impact on the Chinese, prodding them to finally use their leverage with their errant neighbor, North Korea" but it offers no evidence that this is the case.
While the article asserts that Trump used to view Russia as a potential ally and now views with suspicion, it fails to describe the highly suspicious context for Trump to have any opinion on Russia.
Stop normalizing Trump in a vain effort to appear fair and balanced. Wake up.
7
"Bold, Unpredictable" please, the guy is looking only for punchline delivery and applause. Oooh! did you see Xi's eyes, I got him good. Surprised he didn't tweet an image of it. Or maybe it just didn't happen and it's all spin.
“It was aimed at both our allies and adversaries [add US nationals], and it appears to have worked, to some degree,” Yes, I can imagine, everyone is meeting to discuss how to disengage, disentangle, isolate him and by extension the USA before everyone burns. No one trusts the White House.
“It was aimed at both our allies and adversaries [add US nationals], and it appears to have worked, to some degree,” Yes, I can imagine, everyone is meeting to discuss how to disengage, disentangle, isolate him and by extension the USA before everyone burns. No one trusts the White House.
2
You Americans are nuts - that is the minority who actually voted for Trump or those that didn't vote at all. It was all about America first and make America great again and not getting involved in international conflicts that were unwinnable and then throw a few missiles and a 'don't mess with my dad' agenda and it's all 'USA, USA' as we career into WWIII. Get over the 1979 hostage crisis in Iran and the Gulf War. You took out Hussein and look at the result. Bin Laden was from a rich Saudi family and it is Sunni extremists who are behind the bulk of terrorist activity not the Shia militias with Iranian support who are actually making ground against ISIL.
2
Good points, all. We're as unhappy about it as you are.
Donald Trump is a masterful leader.
The first and greatest theorist of leadership was Machiavelli, author of The Prince (1513). Since then, no one has improved on the brilliant realism of Machiavelli's masterpiece.
Condemned by the Church and by every moralist, but followed by every successful King, Pope, President, Prime Minister, dictator, liberal, tyrant, do-gooder, and corporate executive, Machiavelli teaches leaders to be both a lion and a fox at the same time.
Here is Trump's strategy:
1. The end justifies the means.
2. It's better to be feared than loved ... if you cannot be both.
3. Non-stop public outreach through Twitter and White House briefings by Spicer.
4. “It is necessary to be a fox to discover the snares and a lion to terrify the wolves.”
5. Build a trusted team of honest advisers that never, ever overshadows the prince.
If the team is “capable and faithful,” the prince will be seen by citizens as noble and wise. Otherwise, if his "servants" fail, the prince must take responsibility for a bad selection and get rid of them immediately.
This is why Gen. Michael Flynn and Steve Bannon were tossed under the bus, and Jared Kushner is the real power behind the throne.
The first and greatest theorist of leadership was Machiavelli, author of The Prince (1513). Since then, no one has improved on the brilliant realism of Machiavelli's masterpiece.
Condemned by the Church and by every moralist, but followed by every successful King, Pope, President, Prime Minister, dictator, liberal, tyrant, do-gooder, and corporate executive, Machiavelli teaches leaders to be both a lion and a fox at the same time.
Here is Trump's strategy:
1. The end justifies the means.
2. It's better to be feared than loved ... if you cannot be both.
3. Non-stop public outreach through Twitter and White House briefings by Spicer.
4. “It is necessary to be a fox to discover the snares and a lion to terrify the wolves.”
5. Build a trusted team of honest advisers that never, ever overshadows the prince.
If the team is “capable and faithful,” the prince will be seen by citizens as noble and wise. Otherwise, if his "servants" fail, the prince must take responsibility for a bad selection and get rid of them immediately.
This is why Gen. Michael Flynn and Steve Bannon were tossed under the bus, and Jared Kushner is the real power behind the throne.
3
Revolting. Please remain in Budapest. Unless you're joking; in which case emigrate to the US immediately.
2
our child president feeds of praise...what time does nuclear war with N. Korea start?
2
DT has only one plan, has always had only one plan and will not change the plan. To win every encounter no matter the cost. The Republican Party and all their billionaire owners are now fighting over which plan they want him to follow. Until they realize there is only one plan, DT's plan, the US will continue to be DT's next big deal.... . WAKE UP
1
I think the NYT stopped being the "paper of record" when it published the biggest fake news of the 21st century - the concocted "Iraq WMD Program".
3
Get Trump out now.
5
Of course President Xi's eyes widened in surprise when Trump told him he had just struck Iraq, er, Syria.
A non sequitur is always a struggle when there is already a language barrier.
But c'mon. Did you really just try to make Trump look like a master strategist with that imagery of him reading President Xi's face?
In the meantime, the leader of a Chinese state that has thousands of years of history, has fought thousands of battles, and has produced the greatest military strategists known to earth, continues to bring China back to its rightful place of glory.
When Trump ripped up the TPP, he created a void for China to fill.
When Trump toyed with Taiwan and lied to South Korea, he showed the Little Dragons that he cannot be trusted.
When Trump's mendacity, thin skin, and narcissism prove to be a reflection of those of Kim Jong-un, then other nations start to see they have more in common with the serious, rational, well-educated and diplomatic leader of China.
This military bluster is small-time exhibition. Meanwhile, we're sitting out the games that matter.
A non sequitur is always a struggle when there is already a language barrier.
But c'mon. Did you really just try to make Trump look like a master strategist with that imagery of him reading President Xi's face?
In the meantime, the leader of a Chinese state that has thousands of years of history, has fought thousands of battles, and has produced the greatest military strategists known to earth, continues to bring China back to its rightful place of glory.
When Trump ripped up the TPP, he created a void for China to fill.
When Trump toyed with Taiwan and lied to South Korea, he showed the Little Dragons that he cannot be trusted.
When Trump's mendacity, thin skin, and narcissism prove to be a reflection of those of Kim Jong-un, then other nations start to see they have more in common with the serious, rational, well-educated and diplomatic leader of China.
This military bluster is small-time exhibition. Meanwhile, we're sitting out the games that matter.
5
"Mr. Xi’s eyes widened in surprise" according to Trump.
Anyone else at the table care to verify that?
Anyone else at the table care to verify that?
1
"Nixon’s “madman” act generally masked a calculated strategy, which is not yet evident in Mr. Trump’s approach. "
It's evident that Trump has no calculated strategy-"Make America Great Again was pure marketing and nothing more. At some point, someone, somewhere, who feels they have nothing to lose, is going to call Trump out.
How much blood and treasure will that cost us?
It's evident that Trump has no calculated strategy-"Make America Great Again was pure marketing and nothing more. At some point, someone, somewhere, who feels they have nothing to lose, is going to call Trump out.
How much blood and treasure will that cost us?
2
It is not surprising that Trump's supporters were delighted when he ordered a few bombs dropped on an isolated Syrian airfield (which promptly was back in service to the Assad government the next day). It is exactly the sort of meaningless macho act many of them wanted: quick, bold, threatening. Despite the fact that it put covert actions by US operatives at risk by exposing their base to immediate military action, many of Trump's supporters were content that a hard message had been sent that the US was not a "doormat".
Sending "fake" ships to N. Korea is equally meaningless.
There are many differences between what President Obama in consultation with an obstructive Republican Congress--which still refuses to step up to its responsibility to debate the military actions in Syria, against ISIS, against Yemen, the general regional chaos-- and the one bombing run ordered by Trump which changed the rules of engagement in Syria without any consultation.
Are Americans horrified by what is happening in Syria? We all have been looking on with increasing disgust that any ruler of a country is allowed to cruelly murder children and other civilian victims unable to join the hundreds of thousand refugees across the world. The crisis in Syria has never had any "good" outcomes without the cooperation of Trump's friend Putin. Work to care for the refugees.
Trump's open threats to North Korea put the US at risk. Work with China to reduce the threat of nuclear weapons from N. Korea
Sending "fake" ships to N. Korea is equally meaningless.
There are many differences between what President Obama in consultation with an obstructive Republican Congress--which still refuses to step up to its responsibility to debate the military actions in Syria, against ISIS, against Yemen, the general regional chaos-- and the one bombing run ordered by Trump which changed the rules of engagement in Syria without any consultation.
Are Americans horrified by what is happening in Syria? We all have been looking on with increasing disgust that any ruler of a country is allowed to cruelly murder children and other civilian victims unable to join the hundreds of thousand refugees across the world. The crisis in Syria has never had any "good" outcomes without the cooperation of Trump's friend Putin. Work to care for the refugees.
Trump's open threats to North Korea put the US at risk. Work with China to reduce the threat of nuclear weapons from N. Korea
43
N. Korea has delusion of adequacy. However they've proved very adept at developing their weapons while their people starve. So there's no sign of any internal uprising against the current government.
So you really need China on board to really put the squeeze on them. But is China interested in doing that?
It's one thing to threaten a pipsqueak country like N. Korea. It is another to get into a bawl with a large country like China.
Anyone interested in re-starting the Korean War?
So you really need China on board to really put the squeeze on them. But is China interested in doing that?
It's one thing to threaten a pipsqueak country like N. Korea. It is another to get into a bawl with a large country like China.
Anyone interested in re-starting the Korean War?
1
Trump cares about his polling numbers very much. He will do anything including using nukes to raise his numbers. He promised that the Americans would be tired of winning ( he will win so much). But the matter of fact that he did not win anything yet. Now he is desperate. Be careful.
71
Trump's extensive experience with casinos makes him an expert bluffer.
What - the house lost? How did he manage to do that?
What - the house lost? How did he manage to do that?
2
I don't know how to play chess very well. If I played a chess master, he/she may call my style of playing an "unpredictable strategy", or they may just say I don't know how to play chess.
4
Bold effort, gentlemen, to try to shoehorn the new administration's international bellyflops into some sort of logical construct.
The T. Roosevelt analogy would work fine, were there any noticed connection between its speech and action.
But the Nixonian "crazy like a fox" allusion seems especially fantastical.
"Idiotic" is my preferred descriptor, meaning, from its Greek roots, "unknown."
Meanwhile, the garish spectacle of the Trump machine grinding up the legal, economic, and social realities within our borders continues.
Best Regards,
JV
The T. Roosevelt analogy would work fine, were there any noticed connection between its speech and action.
But the Nixonian "crazy like a fox" allusion seems especially fantastical.
"Idiotic" is my preferred descriptor, meaning, from its Greek roots, "unknown."
Meanwhile, the garish spectacle of the Trump machine grinding up the legal, economic, and social realities within our borders continues.
Best Regards,
JV
2
The headlines should read " Uniformed, Uncontrollable and Just Plain Dangerous" as an unpredictable US President is nothing to brag about if our allies have no idea what to expect from this country.
2
President Trump’s incompetence in 100 days is already miserably failing the U.S. domestically and now he is spreading this incompetence on a global level. His incompetence is further elevated by a genuine lack of foresight, discretion and most importantly true leadership and alarmingly praised by many who share his views. The President’s bravado and bullying tactics is not only repugnant…..it has divided people and created mistrust in the U.S. and abroad. He is demonstrating that abusive words, fighting and wars is the answer instead of applying diplomatic means.
It is very easy to pick and choose targets and fire away with the mass weaponry of the U.S. from miles away but what happens when countries having weapons and military capabilities equal to ours start fighting back? There are many consequences which will result from this course of action that he and his administration grossly fail to realize.
These are really scary times in the U.S. with so much uncertainty and doubt revolving around this government…..it sickens me to no end and the powerlessness I sense angers me. However, my biggist concern is the future of this country, men and woman going to war, the people and especially the children that will inevitably inherit this mess.
It is very easy to pick and choose targets and fire away with the mass weaponry of the U.S. from miles away but what happens when countries having weapons and military capabilities equal to ours start fighting back? There are many consequences which will result from this course of action that he and his administration grossly fail to realize.
These are really scary times in the U.S. with so much uncertainty and doubt revolving around this government…..it sickens me to no end and the powerlessness I sense angers me. However, my biggist concern is the future of this country, men and woman going to war, the people and especially the children that will inevitably inherit this mess.
1
Strange.
In eight years of a bumbling, weak, and feckless Obama foreign policy, I don't recall a NYT article stating that "he could weaken the nation’s standing by backing off from a threat to use force". Obama was the master of reneging on his "red line". The intervention of Russia and the brazen increase of in the murder of civilian populations by the Assad regime and his Russian an Iranian supporters, and the resultant mass exodus of refugees, are a direct resultant of Obama's weakness.
Yet you would never know it by reading the NYT "news".
In eight years of a bumbling, weak, and feckless Obama foreign policy, I don't recall a NYT article stating that "he could weaken the nation’s standing by backing off from a threat to use force". Obama was the master of reneging on his "red line". The intervention of Russia and the brazen increase of in the murder of civilian populations by the Assad regime and his Russian an Iranian supporters, and the resultant mass exodus of refugees, are a direct resultant of Obama's weakness.
Yet you would never know it by reading the NYT "news".
2
Let us guess where you got your reading of Obama's presidency from, if not from the NYT.
2
Everybody---especially congressional Republicans---should be remembering the "bold" foreign policy of George W. Bush. He claimed that once Saddam had refused to give up his WMD's, the US had "no choice" but to launch an attack on Iraq. This despite the fact that Saddam had no WMD's to give up.
So we attacked, created a civil war, got involved in nation building, underwrote governmental corruption and incompetence, alienated the Muslim world, and provided the rationale for the formation of ISIS.
Republicans still seem to think this bold foreign policy was a massive success.
So we attacked, created a civil war, got involved in nation building, underwrote governmental corruption and incompetence, alienated the Muslim world, and provided the rationale for the formation of ISIS.
Republicans still seem to think this bold foreign policy was a massive success.
2
Jared Kushner, a man without military, foreign or domestic policy experience, is sitting right next to the Chinese Prime Minister's wife. That tells me everything I need to know about the so-called Trump administration.
We do not have a President or Secretary of State, we have Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump. They are actually running the White House and enriching themselves at the American taxpayer's expense.
We do not have a President or Secretary of State, we have Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump. They are actually running the White House and enriching themselves at the American taxpayer's expense.
4
What a ridiculous headline, and it's unfair to compare Trump to Richard Nixon. The earlier president was far more sane and principled, even. I'd love to see what your headline writers came up with to describe the French Revolution, or Civil War. Call a spade a spade, please. "Bold, Unpredictable" is "Crazy". And "Dangerous."
1
Wow. Anyone who believes the media is biased against Trump need only read this piece to be persuaded otherwise. "Bold, unpredictable foreign policy"? How about erratic, impulsive, irresponsible foreign policy? A quote from Tom Cotton? Really? Do Mr. Thrush and Mr. Landler work for the administration? What alternate universe are they reporting on?
2
Being incompetent, irrational, unpredictable and narcissist are not leadership traits. They're character flaws.
6
"President Trump’s improvisational approach has helped his fortunes...." With who? People who honestly believe that knowing nothing about anything makes you "refreshing" and a game-changer? By the way, please stop with the euphemisms: "improvisational" means ad libbing in context, building on a sound foundation of knowledge. Ask any jazz musician. Trump isn't improvising; he's lurching from one unfounded idea or hunch to the next.
Then there's this:
"Mr. Xi’s eyes widened in surprise, and he asked his translator to repeat what was said, according to three people who spoke with Mr. Trump after that night two weeks ago. This was exactly the response [Trump] was hoping to elicit — surprise, uncertainty and a sense that the rational, predictable statecraft of President Barack Obama had given way to Mr. Trump’s more assertive vision of American power."
Yes, rational, predictable statecraft: that's so -- well-- rational and statesmanlike. Not a space one would expect Our Little Man In The White House to ever feel comfortable in. Hey Don, let us know when your aircraft carrier is actually sailing in the direction you claim it is. Ignorant, dangerous fool.
Then there's this:
"Mr. Xi’s eyes widened in surprise, and he asked his translator to repeat what was said, according to three people who spoke with Mr. Trump after that night two weeks ago. This was exactly the response [Trump] was hoping to elicit — surprise, uncertainty and a sense that the rational, predictable statecraft of President Barack Obama had given way to Mr. Trump’s more assertive vision of American power."
Yes, rational, predictable statecraft: that's so -- well-- rational and statesmanlike. Not a space one would expect Our Little Man In The White House to ever feel comfortable in. Hey Don, let us know when your aircraft carrier is actually sailing in the direction you claim it is. Ignorant, dangerous fool.
116
For the life of me I can't understand the praise heaped on Trump after the missile strike in Syria. He lobbed 59 cruise missiles, destroyed some buildings and old airplanes after warning Russia and therefore Syria of his intentions (contra his own dictum that it's stupid to give notice, something for which he mocked Obama repeatedly), and thumped his chest a bit. He then dropped a huge bomb in Afghanistan, an attack that to all accounts has affected the overall battle not one iota, and then forgotten about it.
I get that some people think these attacks signal intent to be tough. Swell. So if Assad uses chemical weapons again, what are we going to do to up the ante? What is the strategy? What was the point of a single strike on ISIS?
Was it part of an overall plan? Does anybody know? Do we need to give Ivanka a mood ring so that the world will know she's upset about something and therefore we should all head for the bunker?
It may be comforting to think that Trump has a strategy and that beneath the bluster and raving he's a canny thinker. I doubt it. If China is responding to his bluster, I believe it's because it is trying to keep him from blowing up the world to prove his manliness. Obama used to be the grownup in the room; now it's President Xi. And Trump remains the tantruming two-year-old.
I get that some people think these attacks signal intent to be tough. Swell. So if Assad uses chemical weapons again, what are we going to do to up the ante? What is the strategy? What was the point of a single strike on ISIS?
Was it part of an overall plan? Does anybody know? Do we need to give Ivanka a mood ring so that the world will know she's upset about something and therefore we should all head for the bunker?
It may be comforting to think that Trump has a strategy and that beneath the bluster and raving he's a canny thinker. I doubt it. If China is responding to his bluster, I believe it's because it is trying to keep him from blowing up the world to prove his manliness. Obama used to be the grownup in the room; now it's President Xi. And Trump remains the tantruming two-year-old.
112
This is nuts. We have an erratic, unprincipled individual serving as the president. His word means nothing because of his constant lies, and he is aided and abetted by the GOP congress. He is not unpredictable; he is untrustworthy. He is impulsive, not calculating. And he is not just ill-informed; he has neither the intellectual capacity nor the desire to educate himself.
He has diminished the worth of the U.S. because there are too few in positions of power willing to speak truth. Our world standing and reputation has likewise been diminished. We will not regain world trust in future because the actions of Trump and the GOP legislature supporting him will be remembered by other nations - and we were the chumps who voted them all into office.
He has diminished the worth of the U.S. because there are too few in positions of power willing to speak truth. Our world standing and reputation has likewise been diminished. We will not regain world trust in future because the actions of Trump and the GOP legislature supporting him will be remembered by other nations - and we were the chumps who voted them all into office.
117
Trump's to lazy, ignorant and incompetent to have a well thought out foreign policy, and so compensates with just act crazy to keep'em baffled. How long is that supposed to work? I feel safer already.
I think the Vinson Armada debacle says it all. Any foreign policy action that can be readily exposed to the world as a bluff (or lie) weakens American credibility. And it reduces our flexibility for the future. Do we have to bomb North Korea the next time to show we're not bluffing? It was a stupid and incompetent move by an incompetent (and increasingly more dangerous) Trump White House.
199
"Any foreign policy action that can be readily exposed to the world as a bluff (or lie) weakens American credibility."
Like an imaginary red line in the Syrian sands?
Like an imaginary red line in the Syrian sands?
What a way to normalize a crazed foreign policy. Bold, unpredictable, and risky? How about reckless, improvised, and dangerous?
261
Sorry , NY Times. Trump HAS NO POLICY. You are being cowards not to say so just like you refuse to call him a liar.
50
Dropping missiles and a very big bomb lift this man's presidency as much as hitting golf balls. Oh.
The US has become an errant country with nukes under the people who chose Mr. T as their president. Sad(;_;)
3
Tweet often and carry a big shtick.
19
Simply speaking, it is leadership by bravado and bombast with little consideration for the long-term.
6
Bold? Ha! "Lifts"??
Try again.
Try again.
5
It lifts Trump because the fawning media (including the New York Times) says so. Not because normal Americans agree with that sentiment. Stop conflating acts of war with being presidential, would you?
141
Good gawd...NYT uses sensational headlines. Bold, unpredictable .... rather than naming what it truly is. Reckless, heedless is more like it. You used to be the paper of record. No more.
86
I love reading the New York Times, but I agree with you the headline should be 'reckless, heedless' Trump is completely dysfunctional as President he should be impeached as soon as legally possible.
A Commander in Chief making decisions as though military lives are merely the cost of doing business. I wonder, when this all goes to hell, will the president have the guts to reinstate the draft with no exceptions, or will he rely on a handful of "good patriots" to do his bidding while he and his business associates dine from gold platters and toast to the rise in military stocks?
6
I've read a lot of criticism from former Obama and Bush officials over Trump's policy on North Korea. However, it's been very rare for them to acknowledge that the policies they advocated have proved to be completely fruitless in preventing North Korea from becoming a dangerous nuclear power. Perhaps their advice needs to be taken with a grain (or a pound) of salt.
1
Trump no idea of what he is doing and the war card will not work with N.Korea as they have enough conventional weapons to inflict terrible damage to S. Korea and the U.S. forces in S. Korea.
China will probably sit back on this one because they benefit by having N Korea being the "stone in Trumps's shoe" while this takes U.S. eyes off China. Also, China would not be supportive of U.S. military action toward the North. See Korean War for details.
Kim is even more of a bully and more unpredictable than our PoTUS.
Trump campaigned on his skills as the great negotiator. So would it be unreasonable to ask him to talk to Kim and outnegotiate him ?
China will probably sit back on this one because they benefit by having N Korea being the "stone in Trumps's shoe" while this takes U.S. eyes off China. Also, China would not be supportive of U.S. military action toward the North. See Korean War for details.
Kim is even more of a bully and more unpredictable than our PoTUS.
Trump campaigned on his skills as the great negotiator. So would it be unreasonable to ask him to talk to Kim and outnegotiate him ?
4
"In South Korea, feelings were raw, with newspaper headlines branding the episode “Trump’s lie over the Carl Vinson” and politicians warning that they might never again be able to trust the president’s word."
South Korea comes to the same realization that informed Americans reached more than a year ago.
South Korea comes to the same realization that informed Americans reached more than a year ago.
13
Unpredictable and bold? You've go to be kidding me. More like ignorant, chaotic and haphazard. This idiot didn't even know where the freaking ships were for pete's sake. I guess geography is hard. Sad!
29
Pray tell, just what is "bold" about thoughtless, blundering, ignorant, lying, civilian-killing, wrong-way-armadan foreign "policy." Legitimizing this insipid fool in any way endangers our democracy. Headlines matter, NYT. Get a grip.
66
"Improvisational approach" appears to lend some legitimacy to Trump's style of decision making. Improvising assumes that beneath the twist and turns of decision making there is a grand strategy being pursued---FDR was famously improvisational, but also, strategic. With Trump, however, there are just the twists and turns, but no grand strategy for addressing North Korea's nuclear program. A better term would be knee-jerk response---you insult me, I will insult you in kind--this is the Trump way. Unfortunately for our nation, knee-jerk responses in a nuclear age are extremely dangerous--especially when facing another foreign leader who also deals in knee-jerk responses. I fear that our only life line out of this mode of decision making is the total managerial incompetence of both leaders.
69
Trump is not sufficiently informed and far seeing for him to have a strategy. After all, the ghost writer of his biography, has affirmed his attention span ranges from one to fifteen minutes. Heavens, how did you Americans get yourselves into such a pickle with this knuckle head?
1
“Bold, Unpredictable..” you write.
Did you mean utterly clueless, and fickle?
Or, ordering useless missile strikes between bites of cake, and only remembering the cake?
Did you mean utterly clueless, and fickle?
Or, ordering useless missile strikes between bites of cake, and only remembering the cake?
316
Scrumptious chocolate cake too!
1
Raj..he also told maria bartoromo that the missiles went to Iraq.oooops
This ignorant abomination and his criminal clan (Ivanka, et al) have already weakened my nation's standing. Only his impeachment will revive it.
Not my President, never will be.
Not my President, never will be.
149
Journalists - stop. Stop writing about a President that does not exist. Stop fitting Donald into your writing models. Write about what is in front of you in the Oval Office - even if you don't know how - or step aside and let others inform us about what is actually governing our country.
Donald has no approach, no policies, no thoughts. He is playing whack-a-mole. Your readers can see this, as can you. You are harming us and our children (and yours) by your one-size-fits-all journalism.
We need you to repot on what we are actually facing. Your coverage becomes a farce when you go along and actually help to create a President that is not there.
The painful irony is that the coverage of Donald is so extremely politically correct, it does more harm than good and certainly fails journalists' primary and vital role in a democracy - to inform the citizenry.
Donald has no approach, no policies, no thoughts. He is playing whack-a-mole. Your readers can see this, as can you. You are harming us and our children (and yours) by your one-size-fits-all journalism.
We need you to repot on what we are actually facing. Your coverage becomes a farce when you go along and actually help to create a President that is not there.
The painful irony is that the coverage of Donald is so extremely politically correct, it does more harm than good and certainly fails journalists' primary and vital role in a democracy - to inform the citizenry.
216
This comment is dead on. Thanks for clearly articulating what many of us have been unable to.
3
Exactly....stop "analyzing" trump....and start investigating.
2
Dead on.
1
Does anyone know whether we have a Secretary of State yet?
I know we have what seems to be a lobbyist for Mobil-Exxon, but I have not seen any signs of a Secretary of State with a comprehensive understanding of diplomacy and policy.
I know we have what seems to be a lobbyist for Mobil-Exxon, but I have not seen any signs of a Secretary of State with a comprehensive understanding of diplomacy and policy.
80
I fear we have another president who utilizes the military power of the United States as their foreign policy tool in order to prop up public support when their ideology and ineptitude make dealing with domestic issues impossible. Sad!
23
Just like the armada, right? Apparently you think the Chinese only watch American media and are unaware of the tens of thousands of US air and drone strikes in 5 or 6 different countries In the past five years. Nonsense. And the democrats need to wake up.
1
“The Yada Yada" (2017)”
BARTIROMO: When you were with the president of China, you’re launching these military strikes. Was that planned? How did that come about that it’s happening right then?
TRUMP: We had finished dinner. We’re now having dessert. And we had the most beautiful piece of chocolate cake that you’ve ever seen and President Xi was enjoying it. And I was given the message from the generals that the ships are locked and loaded, what do you do? And we made a determination to do it, so yada, yada, yada…
BARTIROMO: But you yada yada’d over the best part.
TRUMP: No, I mentioned the cake.
BARTIROMO: When you were with the president of China, you’re launching these military strikes. Was that planned? How did that come about that it’s happening right then?
TRUMP: We had finished dinner. We’re now having dessert. And we had the most beautiful piece of chocolate cake that you’ve ever seen and President Xi was enjoying it. And I was given the message from the generals that the ships are locked and loaded, what do you do? And we made a determination to do it, so yada, yada, yada…
BARTIROMO: But you yada yada’d over the best part.
TRUMP: No, I mentioned the cake.
5
Trump could shoot Tom Cotton in the foot and the senator would praise his marksmanship. Could the authors not find anyone to quote who isn't such an obvious, consistent sycophant?
9
In less than 100 days Trump has succeeded in damaging the world's trust in America. Putin could not be more proud of his fool.
4
Bold? Unpredictable? More like "tragically unprepared and desperately unprincipled." Trump has no moral compass so he crashes from one policy position to another, like a drunken bumble bee in black-out jar.
17
You have to love Blinken's fantasy about Obama foreign policy: “We always thought it was better to talk softly but clearly, and to carry a big stick.”
Trump's Iraq and Afghanistan policies, and 90% of Syrian policy is the continuation of Obama's. Mattis and McMaster would not allow for anything else.
A puff piece pumping up Trump's (nonexistent) foreign policy in the NYT? Trump literally has no plans other than blackmailing major powers to enhance his company's business in exchange for favorable US policies. As an example, remember Trump dropping his anti-China rhetoric? He did it after China granted to his family trademarks and a $400 million deal to his son in law Kushner. Why isn't the NYT focusing on this obvious "pay to play" corruption?
12
I see sarcastic complaints here and there about 'liberal's moral superiority'. But Trump and the GOP make it so easy for us to feel morally superior. It's a slam dunk. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/07/opinion/the-coming-incompetence-crisi...
2
"Bold, Unpredictable Foreign Policy Lifts Trump, but Has Risks"
Better: Meek, Predictable Foreign Policy Sank Obama, and Had Risks
Better: Meek, Predictable Foreign Policy Sank Obama, and Had Risks
1
Why are we still discussing Trump in the press as if he were a rational thoughtful human being when he is erratic, egotistical, impulsive, irresponsible, uninformed, unthinking, and ultimately, utterly and totally incompetent.
6
That might be great in the short term,” he added, “but it’s not really a long-term strategy for asserting leadership in a world desperate for American leadership.” Mr. Warner, who criticized Mr. Obama for his failure to act more strongly in Syria, said: “China, Russia and Iran have real, long-term strategies. Why don’t we have one, too?”
Our previous 'strategies' failed. Neither Bush 43 nor Obama was successfully able to talk North Korea from the summit of Mount Crazy; China still manipulated currency and trade practices and the Middle East is still a mess. Not at all sure of the potential for success of Trump's approach, whatever that may be, but a new path is evidently needed.
Our previous 'strategies' failed. Neither Bush 43 nor Obama was successfully able to talk North Korea from the summit of Mount Crazy; China still manipulated currency and trade practices and the Middle East is still a mess. Not at all sure of the potential for success of Trump's approach, whatever that may be, but a new path is evidently needed.
The New York Times can play a role in this unpredictability as well.
When the Times reports Trump's comment about sending an "armada" close to Korea, without first vetting this story, this may actually have an undue influence in elections in South Korea since this misinformation can stir up worries amongst Koreans.
Better vetting of Trump's declarations, by the Times, would certainly help alleviate the effects of this "unpredictable policy".
When the Times reports Trump's comment about sending an "armada" close to Korea, without first vetting this story, this may actually have an undue influence in elections in South Korea since this misinformation can stir up worries amongst Koreans.
Better vetting of Trump's declarations, by the Times, would certainly help alleviate the effects of this "unpredictable policy".
The ugly Trump truth about his Bold, Unpredictable Foreign Policy may very well be that Trump has simply decided to change the discussion away from the unfinished story of his campaign's Russian collusion, which is hanging over his White House.
Bold, Unpredictable "Policy"? lifts trumps.........................?
Are we talking about the danger of the US threatening a nuclear nation....
or are we talking about someone's ratings going up or down?
We certainly aren't talking about a single action meant to be understood as
"Policy"........Pick a subject. This inability to separate trump from his celebrity
is more than a little un-nerving......especially when the military men involved
don't seem to know in which direction the "armada" is sailing.
Are we talking about the danger of the US threatening a nuclear nation....
or are we talking about someone's ratings going up or down?
We certainly aren't talking about a single action meant to be understood as
"Policy"........Pick a subject. This inability to separate trump from his celebrity
is more than a little un-nerving......especially when the military men involved
don't seem to know in which direction the "armada" is sailing.
4
..."restoring the Nation's standing,...and America's place in the world"..."a world desperate for American leadership"...Wow, that is a view I'm not so sure large parts of the world are sharing with this cronies of Trump. The world is mainly staring and listening, if not reading tweets, in disbelief at the total unpredictable, uninformed, dangerous amateur you now have as president. The standing your Nation had gained in the last eight years was far higher. Trump is surrounded by a mob of reactionary warmongers and business guys ( no doubt raking in more riches in the mean and future time, remember Halliburton and Cheney?)The strike in Syria was mainly a ploy to get the media off his back concerning the investigations of the Russian influence around Trump & Co before and during the elections. There are really many people who don't buy all this bragging talk and behaviour for a second.
35
Don't forget Trump's two guiding principles:
1. How much press can I get and make myself look great?
2. How can I stick it to New York City's Manhattan elite who wouldn't allow me into their club.
That's a starting point for foreign governments' guessing game.
1. How much press can I get and make myself look great?
2. How can I stick it to New York City's Manhattan elite who wouldn't allow me into their club.
That's a starting point for foreign governments' guessing game.
50
"Bold" foreign policy? A confusion about what an aircraft carrier, supposedly enforcing our interests, is doing. Caving (thank goodness) on foolish promises to declare China a currency manipulator and scrap NAFTA. There's nothing bold there.
The "boldness" is 59 Tomohawk missiles and one MOAB bomb, but neither of those is by itself policy. They do temporarily give Trump a boost, and they'll frighten some leaders into not opposing the U.S., but it's far from clear if there is any coherent vision behind them or if the Trump administration is capable of following through on those fronts.
The "boldness" is 59 Tomohawk missiles and one MOAB bomb, but neither of those is by itself policy. They do temporarily give Trump a boost, and they'll frighten some leaders into not opposing the U.S., but it's far from clear if there is any coherent vision behind them or if the Trump administration is capable of following through on those fronts.
6
There is nothing "bold" that comes from incompetency. "Acting tough" is just an act, an act born of fear and the desire for people to applaud. Erratic is not bold it is dangerous. "Strutting" to appear tough is not tough, it is dangerous. Knowledge of what you are doing, knowing all the possible consequences and outcomes, weighing of all the factors and making touch decisions, that is something we are not seeing. Bullies are by definition - cowards, and dangerous when given power.
13
MSM needs to back off from the current trend to claim we are all ok because we have Mattis and MacMaster as the "adults" in the room. Can't count the number of times I have heard/read that!
The MSM holds on to its memes like a dog with a bone.
Obviously our criteria for competence, forged by what we have seen in the rest of the cabinet, has taken a turn toward the ridiculous. Just because these two Generals appear on paper somewhat normal does not give them immunity from being criticized. This latest "armada" nonsense gives us a heads up. These two may be comparatively adults, but they are still following Trump. And now we are making speeches about Iran which are not necessarily well thought out. When we see true independence we can re-assess. But my guess is that will only get them fired.
The MSM holds on to its memes like a dog with a bone.
Obviously our criteria for competence, forged by what we have seen in the rest of the cabinet, has taken a turn toward the ridiculous. Just because these two Generals appear on paper somewhat normal does not give them immunity from being criticized. This latest "armada" nonsense gives us a heads up. These two may be comparatively adults, but they are still following Trump. And now we are making speeches about Iran which are not necessarily well thought out. When we see true independence we can re-assess. But my guess is that will only get them fired.
Bold and unpredictable? It seems more like bravado and incompetence.
I really get tired of the media's incredible drive to normalize this man. The default coverage of politics by the media is what allowed Trump to rise in the first place. Acting as if abnormal is normal does not mean that you are operating from a unbiased position.
I really get tired of the media's incredible drive to normalize this man. The default coverage of politics by the media is what allowed Trump to rise in the first place. Acting as if abnormal is normal does not mean that you are operating from a unbiased position.
57
"Senator Mark Warner of Virginia, the highest-ranking Democrat on the intelligence committee.
“That might be great in the short term,”
=
So a Dem finds a way to criticize
Dog bites man, ZZZzzzz....
=
Mr Trump is not quite 'unpredictable' he is rather,
" “He’s far more in keeping with 70 years of postwar American leadership than Obama was,” said Senator Tom Cotton, an Arkansas Republican and staunch Trump ally."
quite predictable, reasserting American leadership, per a Pub and the reason he was elected
“That might be great in the short term,”
=
So a Dem finds a way to criticize
Dog bites man, ZZZzzzz....
=
Mr Trump is not quite 'unpredictable' he is rather,
" “He’s far more in keeping with 70 years of postwar American leadership than Obama was,” said Senator Tom Cotton, an Arkansas Republican and staunch Trump ally."
quite predictable, reasserting American leadership, per a Pub and the reason he was elected
"Rational, predictable statecraft" of Obama? Funny way to describe passivity and appeasement.
"Bold, unpredictable foreign policy" of Trump? Funny way to describe ignorance and short-sightedness.
9
"Trump doctrine" is an oxymoron.
Foriegn policy? What foreign policy besides striking matches on the keg of the current world affairs?
4
Improvisational approach? No, I don't think so. Improvisation requires intelligence, thoughtfulness and context. The correct word to describe Trump is "impulsive."
As to the rest of it, let's sum it up: Trump shoots off his mouth then to not appear weak has to follow up by getting us into a war. Well, that's just great. Ya think Ivanka and Jared will sign up?
As to the rest of it, let's sum it up: Trump shoots off his mouth then to not appear weak has to follow up by getting us into a war. Well, that's just great. Ya think Ivanka and Jared will sign up?
3
This article gives Trump way too much credit. He's "improvisational" the way a bull is "improvisational" in a china shop.
If he gave even the slightest indication of being competent or even in touch with reality then...maybe. Earlier today Trump claimed that “no administration has accomplished more in the first 90 days” which is so false that my DOG sat up and went "huh?"
Trump knows nothing. Never has, never will.
If he gave even the slightest indication of being competent or even in touch with reality then...maybe. Earlier today Trump claimed that “no administration has accomplished more in the first 90 days” which is so false that my DOG sat up and went "huh?"
Trump knows nothing. Never has, never will.
10
W. Freen- " Earlier today Trump claimed that “no administration has accomplished more in the first 90 days” "
Well it depends on your interpretation. So far he has insulted most of our allies, is quickly dismantling our environmental protections, our consumer finance protections, our public education and may be at the cusp of World War III. I would say he has indeed "accomplished" quite a bit in his first one hundred days. Just not the accomplishments that any sane, rational intelligent individual would consider accomplishments, but, yeah, he has accomplished a lot so far. He is well on his way to destroying what took our country decades upon decades to build. He doused our country with kerosene and took a lit match to it!
Well it depends on your interpretation. So far he has insulted most of our allies, is quickly dismantling our environmental protections, our consumer finance protections, our public education and may be at the cusp of World War III. I would say he has indeed "accomplished" quite a bit in his first one hundred days. Just not the accomplishments that any sane, rational intelligent individual would consider accomplishments, but, yeah, he has accomplished a lot so far. He is well on his way to destroying what took our country decades upon decades to build. He doused our country with kerosene and took a lit match to it!
148
W. Freen, Trump knows how to play Americans for suckers. He knows how to dress up in expensive clothes, use his Twitter feed to say outrageous things, coin clever phrases, tell yuge lies, and spend taxpayer dollars. His administrations has accomplished more in the first 90 days than any other administration has. We've seen more investigations started, more chaos created, some of the earliest lowest approval ratings of any president in his first term, extremely bad planning for simple events, and a complete lack of understanding when it comes to running a government.
He's not lying. He's a prophet in his own mind. If it were you or I saying these things in the face of such contrary evidence we'd be laughed at or have our sanity questioned. Because it's Trump and he's rich and the GOP couldn't put up a better candidate while the Democrats didn't have a charismatic enough candidate, he gets away with it. Isn't that nice?
He's not lying. He's a prophet in his own mind. If it were you or I saying these things in the face of such contrary evidence we'd be laughed at or have our sanity questioned. Because it's Trump and he's rich and the GOP couldn't put up a better candidate while the Democrats didn't have a charismatic enough candidate, he gets away with it. Isn't that nice?
2
Another Trumpian fairytale that he's accomplished a lot. Actually he's done very little of substance or value. On the other hand, Obama accomplished a lot and it must kill the republicans that an African-American man outsmarted them for so long and in so many ways
2
Deportation. Alienation. Isolationism. These are not a foreign policy. Gas attacks after a public softening toward Assad and Russia. Bombs go off tightening military dictatorship in Egypt days after a visit here. Dropping bombs in Yemen killing a Navy Seal and civilians. Threatening Mexico by tearing apart families, families with little babies. Giving green lights to a smirking Trudeau to once again bulldoze native American soil for an oil pipeline is a concession to Canada that will not benefit the U.S. And dropping an enormous bomb in Afghanistan killing a reported 36 people who someone claims are more dangerous and cause more deaths on our native soil than highways we all built are not a foreign policy. It is a crazy quilt of ideas formed by swinging a 2X4 in the dark and hoping those who pushed you in the door might have the answers to questions this president knows nothing about.
3
improvisational approach? Ignorance, incompetent, and unprepared would be a better description of his approach. He has no idea what he's doing.
25
Did Mr. Xi choke on his bite of that excellent chocolate cake?
This lauding of Nixon's "madman approach" is garbage writing, ignoring the fact that he secretly scuttled peace talks during his presidential bid. Clearly, North Vietnam was ready for peace talks before his approach ever came into play, and the stupidity of his strategy delayed peace by years. Clearly then, this strategy is a failure. It cost people's lives, and the paper should be ashamed it's validating such asinine behavior for Trump (albeit with some caveats). Doing so can have the very real effect of signaling to the administration that their actions have a precedent that worked and encourages Trump to continue. This could lead to people dying. Nixon was terrible at foreign policy, and so is Trump.
Unpredictable and trump go hand in hand; that's why he has had four bankruptcies. We need to impeach him ASAP
1
I thought it was 6 bankruptcies?
"Unpredictable" should not be in a headline that describes the foreign policy of the United States President.
The Cold War proved that there is no safe level of nuclear deployment.
No war in human history has ever led to permanent peace.
All the tweets in the world will not change these facts.
The Cold War proved that there is no safe level of nuclear deployment.
No war in human history has ever led to permanent peace.
All the tweets in the world will not change these facts.
5
Just like poker: if you're caught bluffing your credibility nosedives and others will challenge future displays of bravado.
1
Anyone who's taken introductory game theory knows that it is immensely advantageous for your foes to BELIEVE you're crazy or irrational.
But that advantage exists only if you really do have a strategy, and are NOT in fact crazy or irrational or just winging it.
I voted for Mr. Trump fully aware that he was ideologically unmoored and that it would be a constant struggle to hold him to the platform he ran on. But I concede: It is unsettling that America's foreign policy seems to be dictated by whomever he happens to like on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday.
But that advantage exists only if you really do have a strategy, and are NOT in fact crazy or irrational or just winging it.
I voted for Mr. Trump fully aware that he was ideologically unmoored and that it would be a constant struggle to hold him to the platform he ran on. But I concede: It is unsettling that America's foreign policy seems to be dictated by whomever he happens to like on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday.
45
Dear SuperNova,
What were you thinking when you voted for Trump? "Here's a good idea. I will try and make a person who I think is ideologically unmoored President of the United States.
Thanks for nothing.
What were you thinking when you voted for Trump? "Here's a good idea. I will try and make a person who I think is ideologically unmoored President of the United States.
Thanks for nothing.
10
I don't know if it was hard for you to concede this point or not, but I appreciate and respect the concession. Thank you for saying so.
3
Unsettling or terrifying?
2
A wholly unpredictable and irrational man who is expected to be the stabilizing force in an unstable world. There is no Trump doctrine or strategic plan, simply reactionary and attention seeking or diverting responses and actions shrouded in a cloud of mystery and unpredictability, packaged and sold as "being smart by not telling the enemy our plan."
Ever the strategic and detail free one, Trump's purported "doctrine" also leaves our allies in the dark and the United States in a vulnerable position in the long-run. An iconoclast playboy billionaire is free to use shock and bombast for the purposes of gaining front page (or Page Six) headlines and staying fresh in the current news cycle, but a POTUS? Unfortunately Trump doesn't (and never will) realize that being POTUS keeps one in the news cycle by just doing the job.
He doesn't get it, and never will, even if he gets it right.
Ever the strategic and detail free one, Trump's purported "doctrine" also leaves our allies in the dark and the United States in a vulnerable position in the long-run. An iconoclast playboy billionaire is free to use shock and bombast for the purposes of gaining front page (or Page Six) headlines and staying fresh in the current news cycle, but a POTUS? Unfortunately Trump doesn't (and never will) realize that being POTUS keeps one in the news cycle by just doing the job.
He doesn't get it, and never will, even if he gets it right.
119
This is what we feared the most. A narcissistic President desperate for approval finding it in military strikes. When Mr Trump speaks about these 2 military actions, he never ever talks about them as part of a wider strategy other than "always keep them guessing." But he does speak of how popular they are. This is truly scary stuff. A President who seems to see nothing wrong with using missiles to define his foreign policy. A President chastened at home looking abroad but seeing only things to bomb. Be afraid people. Be very afraid.
281
OK.
I'm afraid.
Johnson,Nixon, Bush the first, Clinton, Bush the second, Obama -- all of them frightened me. Hillary frightened me. Big time. Bombs. Drones. Millions displaced or killed.
Yeah I'm afraid.
Business as usual.
I'm afraid.
Johnson,Nixon, Bush the first, Clinton, Bush the second, Obama -- all of them frightened me. Hillary frightened me. Big time. Bombs. Drones. Millions displaced or killed.
Yeah I'm afraid.
Business as usual.
1
I am tired of reading articles that appear to normalize Trump's actions. It is pretty clear Trump not only doesn't have a plan but he doesn't even know how to carry out specific actions. He bombed Syria and they were back in business 24 hours later. He sends an armada but its going in the wrong direction. He uses the biggest bomb the US has to kill 39 people. Foreign leaders aren't the only ones that have no clue what the President is doing, we don't and neither does he!
467
Propaganda at its finest. How to make an old hominid look like homo sapiens.
Thank you Nadine - I couldn't agree anymore. Anything con-man Trump does that is slightly normal in nature - NYT and all other media jump on it.
This is like a child who is biting, spitting and screaming and all of sudden - he stays quietly, it is a news.
This is like a child who is biting, spitting and screaming and all of sudden - he stays quietly, it is a news.
3
I am tired of reading articles in NYT that blast the president, knee jerk style, for everything he does, or doesn't, do.
I'm no Trump fan, but the steady stream of negative stories on Trump from NYT on subjects ranging from serious to frivolous have, in my opinion, seriously eroded the paper's credibility. If the paper wants to have a voice/influence in the national conversation about Trump, it needs to be more judicious. This article is a good step in that direction. It can hardly be called fawning, but it does present a more balanced view than what we've been getting so far.
I'm no Trump fan, but the steady stream of negative stories on Trump from NYT on subjects ranging from serious to frivolous have, in my opinion, seriously eroded the paper's credibility. If the paper wants to have a voice/influence in the national conversation about Trump, it needs to be more judicious. This article is a good step in that direction. It can hardly be called fawning, but it does present a more balanced view than what we've been getting so far.
1
Please, if any government officials in other nations feel they have connected the dots to determine Trump's thinking and policies, please let the American people know. We have no idea and are losing sleep at night.
97
Perhaps ask Putin?
1
Fear not Paul.......US policy will be hammered out at the Mar a Lago golf course this weekend........by experienced policy makers i.e. Don Potus of "the apprentice" and real estate laundry expert.......Tillersonaurus Rex,aptly named global expert on extraction of dinosaur juice...... General Mattis,nicknamed Mad,perhaps because he believes that Mutually Assured Destruction is the soundest nuclear policy...a warrior who assures that we will always have continuing nuclear enterprise......Jared Kushner,whose real estate,public relations, and Middle East expertise convinced , Don Potus,his father in law to fire missiles at Syria....Trumping the experienced advisors who were against the attack........Jeff "deliverance"Sessions prayed over the decisions to make sure no one was"illegally deceitful..............no worries Paul........were in good hands!