Some bullet points for the end of summer:
Greenland. Like everyone, I thought this was a joke when I first read it. Upon reflection, it’s an interesting idea and if Denmark had approached us regarding a possible transfer, I would have wholeheartedly supported it. But to create an issue out of thin air and then to create an international kerfuffle about it just shows the amateurishness of this administration. It reminds me of the “Annex Canada” bumper sticker my friend had on display. But it was in his locker and we were both in junior high. That said, the old school 19th Century diplomat in me would love to see a great big land-swap again.
Russia’s nuclear accident. This got surprisingly little play, especially given that many of us just watched that amazing Chernobyl series on HBO. The accident itself, thankfully, seems to be small scale, but there are two distressing points. First, the Putin regime’s continued obsession over militarization. If indeed this was a botched test of nuclear fueled cruise missile, then the western allies need to recognize that there is a new arms race developing. It also reinforces my confidence that leaving the INF was the correct decision. Second, I will simply quote Pierce Brosnan’s James Bond from Goldeneye regarding Russia: “The governments change but the lies remain the same.” And that was in 1995! — at peak Yeltsin.
Talking to the Taliban. Trump has representatives negotiating with the Taliban in Qatar. I can think of few things that make me more angry, on so many levels. First, our negotiating partners are the same idiots that the infallible Obama administration let go in exchange for Captain America Bowe Bergdahl, and were described as insignificant at the time. Second, the Afghan government that we allegedly support is there too, but we’ve basically told them to sit down and shut up. Third, we’ve been in Afghanistan for almost 18 years. Some see that as evidence that it is pointless and we should leave. Others, including myself, see it as all the more reason to stay - indefinitely if need be. To leave now would be an insult to those, living and dead, who served. It would condemn those Afghans, especially women and children, to misery. Fourth, like selling out South Vietnam, it would inevitably lead to the Taliban retaking the country and the (literal) slaughter of the existing government and its supporters. Fifth, the reconstitution of a safe haven for al-Queda, ISIS, and whoever else is looking for a cave to call home. In short, Trump keeps looking for new levels of stupidity, and somehow he keeps finding them.
Trump’s support for Russia Rejoining the G7. C’mon man! Are you just trying to troll the “resistance” types?