See other World News Articles
Title: After Soleimani Killing Suddenly the U.S. is Alone
Source:
Gold Goats 'n Guns
URL Source: https://www.lewrockwell.com/2020/01 ... ing-suddenly-the-u-s-is-alone/
Published: Jan 8, 2020
Author: Thomas Luongo
Post Date: 2020-01-08 09:51:12 by Ada
Keywords: None
Views: 1037
Comments: 26
The silence is deafening. The lack of response from U.S. allies around the world to President Trump’s assassination of Major General Qassem Soleimani tells you things have fundamentally changed. Normally when something like this happens the U.S. has all of its allies lined up with statements at the ready. A gaggle of the usual suspects behind lecterns pledging support replete with the requisite hand-wringing and virtue signaling. That didn’t happen this time. Only arm-twisting by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo cajoled a few lukewarm responses from European allies stunned by Trump’s violations of International Law and escalation of hostilities. It’s clear Trump stunned them into silence. Because they know the world is more dangerous today than it was a week ago. Pompeo’s whining that no one believed the White House’s ludicrous talking point that this strike was done to prevent a war rather than start one, betray epic levels of fatuousness. But, make no mistake, Miracle Whip Mike got everything he wanted here. The strategic errors the Trump Administration has piled up over the past twenty months since abandoning the JCPOA have reached a breaking point, especially with Europe. Europe has taken the brunt of Trump’s belligerence with Iran and Russia. Their businesses have suffered. Their energy security is threatened. The neocons have humiliated them and treated them like chattle. And to this point Europe’s leadership has been up to the task playing the part. It’s obvious the Necons’ policy is to leverage Trump’s America Uber Alles mentality to get everything they want to subjugate Russia, China and Iran. Trump’s instincts are the right ones, avoiding open warfare. Substituting economic leverage for tanks in the streets is still war, however. Just because you don’t define it as war doesn’t mean it isn’t war. Trump’s mistakes come from his believing sanctions are legitimate tools of terror, while simultaneously holding that Soleimani’s tools are not. And that can no longer be an excuse to absolve him of the strategic and tactical errors he’s manipulated into by his staff or takes upon himself. Pompeo’s whining about Europe betrays a solipsism and narcissism that reflects Trump’s madness and frustration. No amount of pressure on Iran seems to get the desired results. He sees their attacks on U.S. troops as personal affronts and thinks raising his threats to existential levels will finally make people see he’s serious. Iran knew he was serious three years ago. It didn’t deter them. If anything, their discretion in the face of open hostility only emboldened Trump to go farther. But now he’s just a madman with nukes, being pulled by betrayal, frustration, anger and fear towards making even more dangerous decisions than the ones he’s already made. Because, when you realize that Soleimani was in Baghdad to deliver Iran’s opening terms for a negotiated peace with Saudi Arabia, this attack was a blunder. When you further realize that Soleimani was there at Trump’s behest with Iraqi Prime Minister Mahdi as broker, this attack looks like patently insane. Soleimani was in Baghdad to begin the peace process, again, at Trump’s request. He was uniquely positioned within the Iranian government to handle said negotiations because of his position as head of the IRGC Quds Forces. If he brought these terms to the table, the militias and proxies he trained and tacitly commands would take them far more seriously than if they were brought by President Hassan Rouhani. Rouhani represents, to them, the failed diplomacy that led to the current crisis, thinking the U.S. would honor their deals. So, the meeting between Soleimani and the Iraqi Prime Minister would have been a major opportunity for peace. But as we know, the U.S. is Not Agreement Capable, in the words of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Remember what both Vladimir Putin and his foreign minister Sergei Lavrov have said about the U.S. It is ‘not agreement capable.’ Any deal made with the U.S. government or military will be broken at the earliest possible opportunity to further its goals. So, now the question is why did this happen? What’s the rationale here? A New York Times article detailed the situation in the White House in the days leading up to Trump’s decision. It reads like a Pentagon whitewash of its role in creating the atmosphere which led to Soleimani’s death. It paints the picture of a president sinking into madness as the ‘attacks’ on the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad unfolded. It tries to deflect all the blame onto Pompeo and Vice President Mike Pence. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Vice President Mike Pence were two of the most hawkish voices arguing for a response to Iranian aggression, according to administration officials. Mr. Pence’s office helped run herd on meetings and conference calls held by officials in the run-up to the strike. Defense Secretary Mark T. Esper and General Milley declined to comment for this article, but General Milley’s spokeswoman, Col. DeDe Halfhill, said, without elaborating, that “some of the characterizations being asserted by other sources are false” and that she would not discuss conversations between General Milley and the president. But the big takeaway from this article isn’t just that the Pentagon is looking to deflect blame from Defense Secretary Mark Esper and CIA Director Gina Haspel onto Trump. The big takeaway from this article is the Pompeo/Pence narrative of Soleimani was imminently primed to attack U.S. diplomatic targets was complete fiction. Unwritten by the Times but lurking between the words is who was really behind this narrative, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. It’s clear over the past six months Netanyahu couldn’t accept the idea of peace breaking out around him. He consistently pushed the envelope of Israel’s belligerence into Iraq over the opening of the Iraq/Syria border crossing. Now the Saudis were wavering? This cannot stand. War with Iran must happen. This is the most likely scenario that pushed Trump into this action with Pompeo, Esper and Haspel feeding him a steady diet of, at best, misleading information. Trump then does what Trump does best when the game gets too hard to figure out. He filps the table. Netanyahu worked so hard to manipulate events and people to get to that point. He needs a win back home to show voters he is the man to bring Israel salvation through the studious application of American exceptionalism. Now, that he’s done so, he is abandoning Trump after pushing him into the pit. So, given all of this, is anyone surprised the leadership in Europe isn’t happy here? They were instrumental in getting Iran to the table to agree to the JCPOA, which Israel was livid about. It was in everyone’s interest for the deal to work, especially Iran’s. Iran got sanctions relief and much-needed investment. Its heavy water reactor became a strong source of revenue. Europe got access to cheap Iranian oil and gas through that investment, securing its energy needs. Moreover, with the deal in place, the undoing of the U.S./Israeli/Saudi plan to atomize Syria by Russia, Iran and Hezbollah ended the flow of refugees into Europe and began stabilizing the region. That only happens because of the JCPOA. Trump’s entire foreign policy is based on antagonizing everyone and subjugating them through dollar weaponization and energy dominance. That’s been his modus operandi. He aligned himself with Israeli interests from the outset because 1) he wanted to and 2) it was the path of least resistance for him to stay in power. At every critical juncture of his presidency Trump has knuckled under to the neocons in his office. The biggest effect of killing Soleimani isn’t Iran’s response or even Iraq’s. Yes, they will impose costs which will change the geopolitical game board. How? We don’t know. What we do know is this big effect; the realization that everyone around the world is thinking, “Are we next?” So far Trump has accepted no limits on who he will attack with sanctions. There is no rule he’s willing to breach. The neocons in the Senate now have the ultimate leverage over him — Pelosi’s sham impeachment. The half-men in the Senate like Lindsey Graham and Marco Rubio have been at full mast so long thanks to Trump’s bombing they need to see a doctor. They got him to kill Soleimani, ensuring there will be no peace with Iran. They’ve begun the upward escalation of tensions which likely ends with an airstrike on Iran’s Fordow Nuclear Facility. If you don’t think that’s what that tweet means, then have either your eyes or your reading comprehension checked. Many of Trump’s tweets are nonsense, bluff and bluster to misdirect and/or stir the pot. This has been a clear message he’s sent since the campaign trail. And this attack on Soleimani was the next step in that process. He’s hoping it brings Iran to the bargaining table. But it won’t. And that’s why this only ends with bombing Fordow. The Israelis and neocons have used Trump’s animus towards Obama and Europe to try to subjugate them as well. It’s not that Europe is praiseworthy or anything. The EU leadership deserves their comeuppance for trying to build an Empire to replace the U.S. But regardless of whether the EU sucks or not, this incident is your point of no return in U.S./European relations. They have no choice but to slowly back away from the insane man in the White House and break bread with the sober one in the Kremlin. Angela Merkel already arranged a meeting with Putin for next week. This has cost the U.S. whatever moral status it has with the rest of the world. It stands alone now. The only deals Trump will get from here on out are ones that don’t matter. He’s set the U.S. squarely on the path to its own destruction as the world realizes the cost of doing business in the dollar just rose immensely. I’ve been looking for that moment where Europe makes the decision to move out of the U.S.’s orbit and into Russia’s. Their silence tells me this was it. For more of my thoughts on this subject and why Europe will abandon Trump and the U.S. listen to my latest Podcast here.
Post Comment Private Reply Ignore Thread
Top • Page Up • Full Thread • Page Down • Bottom/Latest
#1. To: Ada (#0)
Time to give it a rest now and see how things shake out over the next few days. The US is not quite as isolated as the breathless innuedo in this piece makes out. This from the not-so-Trumpy NYTimes 1-6-2020: "If you look at how the E3 have reacted, they are edging closer and closer to the Americans. I can't see them changing that path, but they also have to keep dialogue open with Iran. It's a question of timing," said a Western diplomat. As well as pushing to maintain talks, European officials are exploring what sticks they could use to corral Iran. . . .
Europe has no quarrel with Iran and would like to do business with it but dare not because of US sanctions.
A lot of the business that Europe does with Iran is to supply the kind of expertise that Iran, after more than 40 years of Islamic revolution, is unable to furnish for itself.
Rumor has it that after Trumps message, Tucker Carlson was seen frothing at the mouth and chewing on his tie. Perhaps his panties are too tight???
The ultimate translation i get outta all this. The cia acted again without presidential authority and trump must take responsiblity for actions he didnt authorize otherwise he would have to publicly admit he isn't in charge and the deepnstate is acting on its own accord.. and condemning the attack would also alienate his supporters. So we are running with a lie to save face hoping we cab talk our way outta the bullshit zionist warhawks want to instigate. ______________________________________ Suspect all media / resist bad propaganda/Learn NLP everyday everyway ;) If you don't control your mind someone else will.
I was around when Neville Chamberlain assured the world that Hitler was a a ...peace...loving man. Chamberlain was a hero. He had saved the world. Hitler then proceeded to take a """piece""" or all of eleven nations. All the hand wringers were crying, save us, save us. Americans have learned nothing.
Indeed. Talk about learning nothing. It aint just americans, its people in general in my opinion but what cha gonna do. At least we know who is and who isnt time magizines person of the year. ______________________________________ Suspect all media / resist bad propaganda/Learn NLP everyday everyway ;) If you don't control your mind someone else will.
I understand their missile are pretty good--better than ours.
So what's your solution Cyni, nuke the planet to teach Chamberlain a lesson? Is there any matter that you won't equate to that tired old story? Iran is not attacking other nations, they are protecting themselves from hostile actions on the part of western nations, chiefly the US. You appear to be a huge cheerleader for Israel Cyni. Why is that I wonder... This reads like utter and complete bullshit.
“The most dangerous man to any government is the man who is able to think things out... without regard to the prevailing superstitions and taboos. Almost inevitably he comes to the conclusion that the government he lives under is dishonest, insane, intolerable.” ~ H. L. Mencken
What specifically do you find to be untrue? One point this propagandist doesn't dare make is - Iran just might agree with the killing of the maniac General who had way to much military power Killing the General was a great happening in many ways
Soleimani was attacking everyone anywhere from Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan and Yemen to Benghazi, Libya and Washington, DC where his guys planned to blow up the Saudi ambassador to the US in public. According to the Iranian Internet news service Soleimani said, “Martyrdom is what I seek in mountains and valleys but isn’t granted yet.” Martyrdom seems to have found him. Perhaps having come so close to a gaeneral conflagration in this thing, cooler heads may soon bring many outstanding problems to a negotiaing table.
Perhaps having come so close to a gaeneral conflagration in this thing, cooler heads may soon bring many outstanding problems to a negotiaing table. Are you sure the Iranians will be so cool headed? I think they were incensed about Gen. Soleimani being unsummarily snuffed out. ;) "When bad men combine, the good must associate; else they will fall, one by one." Edmund Burke
Food for thot...Considering so many posters here assure us Iran would destroy our military... One pundit wrote...If Russia and China believe Iran will destroy US military, why are they not urging Iran to do so??? Or why are Russia and China reluctant to take the US down???
The incensed regime can bring lots of supporters onto the streets, but there are tons of Iranians who remain at home or at work who'd be glad to see the theocracy pack it in. Sooner or later the mullahs will be forced to come to the table -- as long as western countries continue to demonstrate that violent internationalist Islamism won't be tolerated as a motivator of national policy on the part of actors like Iran.
The incensed regime can bring lots of supporters onto the streets, but there are tons of Iranian who remain at home or at work who' be glad to see the theocracy pack it in. Sooner or later the mullahs will be forced to come to the table -- as long as western countries continue to demonstrate that violent internationalist Islamism won't be tolerated as a motivator of national policy on the part of actors like Iran. Excellent. Thank you. Trump haters here may need a diagram as common intelligence is not available. China, Russia are very detached, not urging ragheads to take us on.
And thanks to you, Cyni. Fixed the stupid typos. Many will yet have a change of heart. This despite lugs like those on MSNBC for example who are servant of those who really want to drag us to war.
Trump haters here may need a diagram as common intelligence is not available. Copy that. ;) "When bad men combine, the good must associate; else they will fall, one by one." Edmund Burke
And with the shortage of potable water in Iran that may be sooner than later. ;) "When bad men combine, the good must associate; else they will fall, one by one." Edmund Burke
What is never mentioned on Fox News (or anywhere else), is the root cause of all this crap - satanic Mohammedanism, aka muzzie madness.
“The most dangerous man to any government is the man who is able to think things out... without regard to the prevailing superstitions and taboos. Almost inevitably he comes to the conclusion that the government he lives under is dishonest, insane, intolerable.” ~ H. L. Mencken
Yes that is exactly the trouble. ;) "When bad men combine, the good must associate; else they will fall, one by one." Edmund Burke
“The most dangerous man to any government is the man who is able to think things out... without regard to the prevailing superstitions and taboos. Almost inevitably he comes to the conclusion that the government he lives under is dishonest, insane, intolerable.” ~ H. L. Mencken
Tucker is the only truly honest and fearless man in network news, Cyni. I take it you agree with the late John McCain that what this country needs is a 100- year War Of Terror?
_____________________________________________________________ USA! USA! USA! Bringing you democracy, or else! there were strains of VD that were incurable, and they were first found in the Philippines and then transmitted to the Korean working girls via US military. The 'incurables' we were told were first taken back to a military hospital in the Philippines to quietly die. – 4um
It was apparent last night that Carlson was "modifying" his stance on the situation. There were two reasons. Ratings and realization that Trump was going to pull off this game plan winner. I suspect his tone brought him a chill from those that pay him. McCain??? That SOB should have been hung as should his father. Runs in the family, check history on it.
Ratings? No, it merely shows how little press freedom there is. Carlson risked his entire career to trumpet the facts that ameriKans need to hear most and want to hear least -- despite their supposed war fatigue. His jew bosses just told him to dial it back or else. What a total disgrace and sickening outrage they did! I'm not seeing why you don't love McCain. He pushed for a 100-year War Of Terror, and that's in effect your position -- you've never seen a hit on the mean ol' Ayrabs you didn't like. You are the most consistent and fanatical warmonger I've "known", while being of sensible opinion on everything else no less. _____________________________________________________________ USA! USA! USA! Bringing you democracy, or else! there were strains of VD that were incurable, and they were first found in the Philippines and then transmitted to the Korean working girls via US military. The 'incurables' we were told were first taken back to a military hospital in the Philippines to quietly die. – 4um
It stands alone now.
LONDON/PARIS/BRUSSELS — Germany, Britain and France are scrambling to keep talks with Iran over its 2015 nuclear agreement alive despite Tehran having all but torn up the deal after the United States killed its top military commander. . . .
#2. To: randge (#1)
#3. To: Ada (#2)
#4. To: randge, All (#3)
#5. To: Ada (#0)
#6. To: titorite (#5)
#7. To: Cynicom (#6)
(Edited)
#8. To: randge (#3)
#9. To: Cynicom (#6)
I was around when Neville Chamberlain assured the world that Hitler was a a ...peace...loving man. Chamberlain was a hero. He had saved the world.
"After tomorrow those SOB's will never embarrass me again. That’s not a threat. That’s a promise.” – LBJ to his mistress Madeleine Brown on the eve of JFK assassination 
#10. To: Ada (#0)
#11. To: Lod (#10)
This reads like utter and complete bullshit.
"After tomorrow those SOB's will never embarrass me again. That’s not a threat. That’s a promise.” – LBJ to his mistress Madeleine Brown on the eve of JFK assassination
#12. To: Ada (#0)
#13. To: FormerLurker (#9)
Iran is not attacking other nations,
#14. To: randge (#13)
Martyrdom seems to have found him.
#15. To: BTP Holdings (#14)
#16. To: BTP Holdings (#14)
(Edited)
#17. To: randge (#16)
#16. To: BTP Holdings (#14)
#18. To: Cynicom (#17)
#19. To: Cynicom (#17)
#20. To: randge (#16)
Sooner or later the mullahs will be forced to come to the table
#21. To: BTP Holdings, Cyni, randge, Horse, 4 (#20)
#22. To: Lod (#21)
the root cause of all this crap - satanic Mohammedanism, aka muzzie madness.
#23. To: BTP Holdings, Cyni, randge, Horse, 4 (#22)
good analysis by piers morgan on salami's death
#24. To: Cynicom (#4)
#25. To: NeoconsNailed (#24)
Tucker is the only truly honest and fearless man in network news, Cyni. I take it you agree with the late John McCain that what this country needs is a 100- year War Of Terror?
#26. To: Cynicom (#25)
Top • Page Up • Full Thread • Page Down • Bottom/Latest