41 Comments
User's avatar
Margaret's avatar

Once again, such an informative analysis of what is going on with Russia and this insane war with Iran that Trump launched. Some day it will come out what Putin is holding over Trump. Meanwhile we are losing our brave military men and women with no end in sight, a tragedy.

Margaret's avatar

I wish I could say that things have improved in Ukraine but the war goes on

Ed Weber's avatar

Aiding the enemy, as Trump has done, is a definition of the crime of treason, for which there is a severe penalty. I know that sounds extreme, but it is also irrelevant, since the GOP seems hell bent on assuring that Trump will never suffer any consequences for anything he has done that has harmed, and continues to harm individuals, the culture, the society, the economy, and the environment.

Carolyn's avatar

"Aiding the enemy, as Trump has done, is a definition of the crime of treason, for which there is a severe penalty". Exactly! And that is not an extreme statement. It is the truth.

The Civic Almanac's avatar

One of history’s quieter patterns is that wars meant to weaken one rival often strengthen another.

William Hancock's avatar

Trump does not consider Putin a rival. He considers him to be his boss and primary benefactor.

William Hancock's avatar

Rescuing Putin was always part of the plan.

Margaret Irish's avatar

47 does not deserve even a modicum of Mr Zelenskyy’s assistance—and he proves it by giving Ukraine’s aggressor a windfall in lifting sanctions.

Jeffrey J Ward's avatar

Trump's favorite word is tariffs. His least favorite word is democracy. This started with Trump telling the Iranian people that he has their backs. But does he really? He has now changed the tune to say he must approve any new leader of Iran. I assume he does not know about the 1953

CIA and British coup that removed the democratically elected leader of Iran. He should think about that infamous event and forget about the Venezuelan model.

Susan Kain's avatar

Your calm yet realistic assessment, with a couple of hopeful nuggets, like the potential for future U.S. and European investment in Ukrainian drone technology, helps. But the fact that the U.S. needs drone tech from another country, and that the U.S. has to copy the Iranian Shahed drone to develop our kamakazi drone, is not reassuring. Neither is the length of time needed to rebuild munitions. A Ukrainian, or Ukrainian-supporting commenter on another site, lamented the U.S. going to war during Lent. Lent, Ramadan, Maslenitsa--it never occurred to me to have to ask my government to give up violence for Lent.

James Schumaker's avatar

Seventh, Russia is also benefiting significantly from Trump's ham-handed attempt to strong-arm NATO allies into helping the U.S. open up the Strait of Hormuz. Apparently, Trump was warned about the possibility that the Iranians would close the Strait, ignored it, and now finds that the U.S. cannot do it alone.

In his usual Mafia-style negotiating strategy, he is saying to NATO: "Nice alliance you've got there...It'd be a shame if something happened to it because you didn't help me with Hormuz." So far, no one has bowed to Trump's blackmail. That's how far our influence has fallen with our most important allies.

The Russians must be ecstatic that "Our Donald" is undermining the U.S. position in the world so effectively. Meanwhile, there is continued upward pressure on the price of oil.

Kathy's avatar

Yep! And now they are having him / us sit in our shit 💩! Of course they can open the strait when They want,to Who they want! Today reported a French carrier w/ Maltese flag went thru the strait with no incident.Running his mouth about Obliterating their defenses ,lying thru his teeth ! About everything to us!and about them.The greatest most dangerous game of chicken with our children’s lives?is unforgivable! He is insane!He has never had an allegiance to our nation,just her $$ he grifts,his family placing bets on this war of choice should tell you everything you need to know.😔

TannyHead's avatar

Upward pressure on the price of oil is a GOOD thing.

Kary Troyer's avatar

Thanks for the analysis and this war is definitely helping Putin and Xi at this point. I offer the additional comments:

1) The US military is indeed mighty when used properly. Unfortunately it has been handcuffed by the Secretary of Defense and those who have avoided listening to previous scenarios that would have prevented this fiasco. With no plan, how does a military define and maintain the aim?

2) The depletion of US arms is a firm reminder to countries that purchase US arms. Do not count on the US to resupply those arms in a timely manner or at a reasonable price.

3) Zelenskyy may be working with the US in this war, but more importantly directly with former US allies in the region such as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Oman, Dubai, and the UAE. Why on earth would Zelenskyy want to license IP to the US when the US continues to provide minimal support to Ukraine? At least the middle eastern allies will pay for support, and provide investment for domestic production while the US may not even say thank you.

4) You will not need to go as far as Delhi or Johannesburg for pushback on colonial wars instigated by the US. Ottawa and Copenhagen will also tell you many of the same things.

Emma Jean's avatar

Trump making all his pals filthy rich

Kathy Everett's avatar

I know you are not supposed to hate, but…. The thought of losing our young men & women for this hate-filled, toxic regime is so very cruel.

TannyHead's avatar

Let's try to keep things in perspective. Is Trump a very ugly person who belongs in jail? Yes. Has he ever killed 30,000 innocent citizens in 48 hours, like the Iranian regime did? No.

American Perp Walk's avatar

Everything Trump Fucks Up Benefits Putin

res ipsa abscondita's avatar

The point of the Iran war is to benefit Putin.

MidwestGal's avatar

This was part of the plan all along! Putin is his handler! Probably telling him everyday how to bankrupt the country!

Joy DeBusk's avatar

Putin’s puppet! His alliances are with the dictators …. and the GOP is silent! Please speak out and do something to save us.

Anthony Pendas's avatar

That’s how he planned it. Then he told Trump to do it