Donald Trump's bid to be remembered as a "peacemaker" just took a big hit as American forces bombed Iranian nuclear sites, notwithstanding Trump's promise to wait two weeks to see whether Iran would "come to its senses".
Trump hailed the bombing operation as a "spectacular military success" (well, of course he did!), although Iran claims that there was only minor damage (well, of course they did!) Either way, Iran has promised "everlasting consequences" and "irreparable damage" in return, whatever that may mean, and Trump has warned of "far greater" attacks in the future.
This, then, is war, however you want to spin it, and many have warned that it represents a real Pandora's Box for the USA and the world
In addition to the repercussions on global security and international relations - as well as the minor quibble that it was against the UN Charter and international law - Trump's unilateral move may also bring him trouble at home. Most Republicans are praising his proactive response (response to what?), because that is what they are expected to do these days. But Democrats, and even some Republicans, are pointing out that he does not actually have the authority to launch consequential military action without congressional approval,with some calling it grounds for impeachment all over again. If Iran responds with cyber-attacks, or even physical attacks, on the American homeland, this will of course get mucb worse.
For a guy who was elected on promises of not dragging the USA into "forever wars", and who made a big song and dance about no wars occurring during his first term, this is not a good look.
At least he has one fan, though: Pakistan wants to nominate Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize for supposedly mediating a ceasefire between India and Pakistan last month. Trump is desperate for a Nobel Prize, and he has never quite got over arch-enemy Barack Obama receiving his. Unfortunately, India has steadfastly maintained that Trump (and American diplomats in general) had nothing to do with the ceasefire, so that's awkward. It looks more like Pakistan is just trying to placate Trump so that he does not clobber them with tariffs. What a game!
Either way, Trump may well have blotted his copy-book by attacking Iran, and dragging America into a potential forever war. (Less than 24 hours after Pakistan's Nobel announcement, they roundly criticized the US for its bombing of Iran ) Neither has he made any impression on those other wars in Gaza and in Ukraine, despite his repeated claims and promises.
The jarring juxtaposition of an isolationist president in a red MAGA hat calling on Iran to "make peace", when he was the one doing the unilateral bombing, was not lost on many commentators (nor Iranians). Trump seems to have learned nothing from the past, and to not care about his election promises to keep out of foreign wars. Worse, Bibi Netanyahu seems to have him twisted around his little finger, an alarming prospect indeed.
All in all, not much of a peacemaker, really.
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