Quote of the Week #8
“Never said when an attack on Syria would take place. Could be very soon or not so soon at all! In any event, the United States, under my Administration, has done a great job of ridding the region of ISIS. Where is our ‘Thank you America?’”
Donald Trump on Twitter, 12/04/2018
When I wrote the first of these weekly comments, I wanted to go for a Trump twitter post. But then it seemed too easy. I could be assured that Trump would always be the safe option if I didn’t manage to pick up something else. So far Australian politicians or other figures of public interest have not disappointed me. But now I have a pile of assignments due, I haven’t touched a newspaper in a week and I tried to stay away from the news media outlets that I usually read. In short: I needed Trump this week.
And Trump came to the rescue.
In the last 7 days, he twittered 44 times (this number might very well be outdated by the time I publish this). While there is much I would like to say about this number – why is there no media protocol in place that stops the POTUS from doing so? how long does it take him to write a tweet with his sausage fingers? why does a man his age need so much external approval? –, I won’t.
I will use this instead:
Unfortunately, the strike against Syria has become reality in the meantime. Unfortunately, not necessarily because of the strike itself – there are certainly arguments for an intervention against Assad –, but because the whole mission lacks strategy. Earlier this month Trump insisted on pulling out the American soldiers that are currently stationed in Syria, saying that the involvement in the civil war-ridden country would lead to nothing. Only a few days later he’s ready to fire. He fires, but only hits three targets – certainly not enough to draw the famous Red Line. But maybe just enough to not further anger his support base, who don’t care for any American engagement overseas. But then again probably enough to anger Russia and Iran – even though Russia was apparently warned before the strike.
“A perfectly executed strike last night. Thank you to France and the United Kingdom for their wisdom and the power of their fine Military. Could not have had a better result. Mission Accomplished!”
“So proud of our great Military which will soon be, after the spending of billions of fully approved dollars, the finest that our Country has ever had. There won’t be anything, or anyone, even close!”
Donald Trump on Twitter, 14/04/2018
Mission accomplished? I highly doubt it.