Relishing in the defeat of Trump’s United States by the Islamic Republic of Iran may soothe the anxieties of those who anguished at U.S. complicity in assisting Israel continue its attacks on those who oppose its expansion and dominance, but may not be the proper approach to restoring political sanity, achieving peace, and stopping Israel from continuing its genocidal tactics. Recognizing the signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) as a defeat of the U.S. War Department is acceptable; not recognizing this could be a start for new leadership, for new directions, and for a new foreign policy is defeatism.
What we have seen is an exhausted Trump, a tired man who initiated battles that have constantly been contended, in which he had to respond with new battles that were also contended, until his weary body and disoriented mind became overwhelmed, and he lost control of suitable weapons in which to continue the fight. Learning he could not retain his name on the Kennedy Center wall taught him to exercise care his name is not associated with causing world conflagration, world inflation, and world depression. Only guessing, but wise man Xi Jinping gave Trump advice he trusted, and Trump succumbed to Gulf State leaders’ anger at no longer wanting to be victims of a policy they never endorsed. Substituting a less aggressive Vice President JD Vance as a critical spokesperson for the defeated policy and hearing Vance’s rhetoric that defies Israel reinforces the argument of a new leadership, new directions, and a new foreign policy.
Vance has been waiting in the wings and is ready to fly. If Trump is out of breath, the VP might supply the oxygen. One good note; the ill-named Jewish Democratic Council of America (JDCA) claims “Vance has opposed aid to Israel and promotes policies that are harmful to Israel.” That recommendation stirs my approval for Vance, far from the best but far from the worst. Taking charge from the worst is a step in the right direction.
Couple Vance’s entry into the conflagration with Trump’s movement away from interfering in the Ukraine conflict, which he previously boasted he could settle. Trump is basking in a climate of agreement with other world leaders and seems to feel satisfied with that new position. With that in mind, I believe it is unwise to beat down a beaten person, who could become angered at the vituperation and react in a more violent manner than originally imposed. Same advice goes to Ayatollah Khamenei, who referred to “America’s humiliating defeat” and said “Iran will implement new management rules over the Strait of Hormuz amid the ongoing conflict.” Why stir up a wounded foe?
In the French film, Valmont, philanderer Valmont asks his courtesan friend if a man who seduced women and preyed on society can change. “Yes, he can,” she responds. “He can become worse.” Let’s hope that aged Valmont Trump recognizes he has time for redemption and that time is now.