So much for the anti-war candidate…
Once again, the American electorate has been duped. Despite campaigning as a candidate who wanted to change United States foreign policy – one of regime change, military invention and nation-building – he has now flip flopped and caved to the generals, the neocons and the mainstream media.
Delivering a speech on Monday night, President Donald Trump announced that another 4,000 troops will be sent to Afghanistan to engage in an unwinnable war, to nation-build and to ensure the Afghan government remains a puppet for the U.S. government.
What’s worse, the president hinted at some sort of retaliation with Pakistan for ostensibly harboring terrorists. Here is what he said in his speech:
“The next pillar of our new strategy is to change the approach in how to deal with Pakistan. We can no longer be silent about Pakistan’s safe havens for terrorist organizations, the Taliban, and other groups that pose a threat to the region and beyond.
“Pakistan has much to gain from partnering with our effort in Afghanistan. It has much to lose by continuing to harbor criminals and terrorists. In the past, Pakistan has been a valued partner. Our militaries have worked together against common enemies. The Pakistani people have suffered greatly from terrorism and extremism. We recognize those contributions and those sacrifices, but Pakistan has also sheltered the same organizations that try every single day to kill our people. We have been paying Pakistan billions and billions of dollars, at the same time they are housing the very terrorists that we are fighting. But that will have to change. And that will change immediately.”
What’s going to happen if Pakistan doesn’t “partner” with the U.S.? Invasion? Bah. It should be noted that Trump’s predecessor did bomb the outskirts of Pakistan with drones, killing many civilians.
The face of the Oval Office may have changed, but the wars continue. It doesn’t matter who you elect: Trump, Barack Obama, George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George H.W. Bush…the wars just go on and on. Oh, and if you thought it would have been better with their opponents in charge – Hillary Clinton, Mitt Romney, John McCain, John Kerry, Al Gore or Bob Dole – then you would have been sadly mistaken.
The Max Boots, Ralph Peters and the CNNs of the world are jubilant right now. But Monday’s speech should give Trump’s supporters room for doubt on whether they made a wise selection or not. It’s time to leap off the Trump Train.
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