“The Kremlin is already in a tizzy, backtracking by the hour. They’re running blind, still unable to confirm whether Putin will even show up in Istanbul to meet Zelensky in person.”
Agreed Shankar, Trump is the wild card, but it cuts both ways. And as you have so eloquently stated, Trump essentially just wants a deal, any deal, but he has the attention span of a gnat, so it makes it impossible to get a handle on the guy, which makes it impossible to know what Trump is thinking, or whether Trump cares at all.
Personally, I think Trump just has his Middle East meeting on his mind, where he’ll be treated like the wannabe man/child king he thinks he is; a grand, royal and elegant weekend, where he’ll take ownership of the gold-plated palace in the sky, and consummate all his family’s business dealings (around 30 so far in the ME alone, since retaking the Oval).
Sadly, while Trump is busy laying waste to our democracy, allies, and economy; most Americans are oblivious to the long-term implications of an isolationist country, refusing to lead.
JVL in the Bulwark yesterday made a great parallel about Great Britain after the turn of the 20th century when it was still the greatest military in the world, but just the third largest economy. The US was isolationist then, and the 800 lb gorilla waiting in the wings. America refused to lead back then, which left a power vacuum that eventually led to WW1, and WW2.
Couple this with what’s happening in Israel/Gaza, Russia/Ukraine, and between India and Pakistan, and It feels like although history, while it may not be repeating itself, is definitely starting to rhyme!
The real question mark is whether Xi decides to turn away from invading Taiwan, and decides to assume the power void left by the US. If so, our economic and military demise will be much sooner than we think! If not, we may be on the brink of another world war. IMHO…:)
I hope Trump just keeps his mouth shut in the meeting and attends it remotely.’He is not capable of saying to Putin’s face anything that would irritate him.
I do so hope that your analysis proves to be correct. It will completely expose Putin's lie when talks fail. Trump too would be laid bare as a traitor out for revenge against President Zelenski. That is when the coalition of the willing should take control.
Here’s to victories. It’s time Putin got whooped—and this time by his own treacherous hands. I can’t imagine he will show. If he does I will faint. And who knows with Trump. Putin hasn’t stopped bombing as far as I know—so the 30 days isn’t happening according to EU plans. That should mean serious sanctions. With luck Trump will follow suit. He won’t want to look weak next to everyone else. I guess we will see what we will see. Glory to Ukraine.
My one sticking point is that I do NOT want trump at the meeting! He & Vance threw their hands up in the air a few weeks ago once again bad-mouthing Zelenskyy.
Since they did nothing, the Europeans stepped forward with a great plan!
Trump should get NO CREDIT for any deal that comes from this meeting!
But I do thank you so much for the article and your offer of support to Ukraine & President Zelenskyy!
“The Kremlin is already in a tizzy, backtracking by the hour. They’re running blind, still unable to confirm whether Putin will even show up in Istanbul to meet Zelensky in person.”
Agreed Shankar, Trump is the wild card, but it cuts both ways. And as you have so eloquently stated, Trump essentially just wants a deal, any deal, but he has the attention span of a gnat, so it makes it impossible to get a handle on the guy, which makes it impossible to know what Trump is thinking, or whether Trump cares at all.
Personally, I think Trump just has his Middle East meeting on his mind, where he’ll be treated like the wannabe man/child king he thinks he is; a grand, royal and elegant weekend, where he’ll take ownership of the gold-plated palace in the sky, and consummate all his family’s business dealings (around 30 so far in the ME alone, since retaking the Oval).
Sadly, while Trump is busy laying waste to our democracy, allies, and economy; most Americans are oblivious to the long-term implications of an isolationist country, refusing to lead.
JVL in the Bulwark yesterday made a great parallel about Great Britain after the turn of the 20th century when it was still the greatest military in the world, but just the third largest economy. The US was isolationist then, and the 800 lb gorilla waiting in the wings. America refused to lead back then, which left a power vacuum that eventually led to WW1, and WW2.
Couple this with what’s happening in Israel/Gaza, Russia/Ukraine, and between India and Pakistan, and It feels like although history, while it may not be repeating itself, is definitely starting to rhyme!
The real question mark is whether Xi decides to turn away from invading Taiwan, and decides to assume the power void left by the US. If so, our economic and military demise will be much sooner than we think! If not, we may be on the brink of another world war. IMHO…:)
Keep up the incredible reporting, Shankar!
You are our lifeline to Ukraine 🇺🇦!
All glory to Ukraine!
Great, looks like you triple checked your references, Shankar.
Turkey- Thursday!
Will watch in on FOX news, can’t wait!
This one did not require that much effort. It is the data loaded ones that I prefer to dig a bit.
I now that,this was a reply to my previous comment. Well done, anyways.
I hope Trump just keeps his mouth shut in the meeting and attends it remotely.’He is not capable of saying to Putin’s face anything that would irritate him.
I do so hope that your analysis proves to be correct. It will completely expose Putin's lie when talks fail. Trump too would be laid bare as a traitor out for revenge against President Zelenski. That is when the coalition of the willing should take control.
Here’s to victories. It’s time Putin got whooped—and this time by his own treacherous hands. I can’t imagine he will show. If he does I will faint. And who knows with Trump. Putin hasn’t stopped bombing as far as I know—so the 30 days isn’t happening according to EU plans. That should mean serious sanctions. With luck Trump will follow suit. He won’t want to look weak next to everyone else. I guess we will see what we will see. Glory to Ukraine.
Thank your for your assessment of the situation!
My one sticking point is that I do NOT want trump at the meeting! He & Vance threw their hands up in the air a few weeks ago once again bad-mouthing Zelenskyy.
Since they did nothing, the Europeans stepped forward with a great plan!
Trump should get NO CREDIT for any deal that comes from this meeting!
But I do thank you so much for the article and your offer of support to Ukraine & President Zelenskyy!
Great analysis Shankar, thanks for your brilliant perspectives. You are the man!
thanks....
President Zelensky is a serious President with the loyalty and respect of his people unlike trump and pootin.
I agree with you except for the call to Lindsey Graham.