I'm flabbergasted by this pivot, but find myself wondering why the sudden change? Is it because NATO members are coughing up more dough? Maybe--but they've been ramping up for months and months. Is it because Trump wants the Nobel Peace Prize so he can put a gilded frame around it and hang it on a wall in his bedroom in yet another effort to convince himself he's the biggest and brightest and most shiny object in the room? Pardon me for observing for the nth time that it seems unlikely Trump is doing anything that is not primarily self-interested. But we'll take the win, because Ukraine needs the help. That's IF and WHEN Donnie Two Weeks doesn't fail to follow through.
Thank you for this assessment. Yes, we’re seeing yet another Trump pivot. Sadly, reversals of course are the rule, rather than exception for Trump. Will he do so again? Most of America, and all democratic nations will celebrate Trump if he stays his current course, landing on the “side” of justice & humanity toward Ukraine, and actually following through with delivering punishing sanctions v. Russia and weaponry provisions to Ukraine.
I was going to respond in the positive for the 'pivot' as you put it. I was afraid that Diane was going full-on TDS which I could not support. She has shown a nimbleness that is much needed in our political world. I get it though...when one cares so much for 'their side' it is a jolt to the brain when some brainiac changes their mind. Trump is all about America, I do not believe that he is "primarily self interested".
If one assumes that Trump had always intended to beat Russia by doing what Reagan did to the USSR, there is no pivot. It has all been very predictable. Reagan beat the Russians by dropping the price of oil by 50% AND starting an arms race. Trump has done the same thing (but he got Europe and Canada to pay for the arms race :)
"The war against Ukraine was not, as Putin characterizes, started because NATO threatened Russia. It happened because NATO was not threatening Russia or anyone at all." Truer words were never spoken. Also, is the pivot happening because Iran is out of the way?
Heavily flattering a narcissist in order to steer or at least influence him in a certain direction can seem like the best tool in the box. But a malignant narcissist is loyal to no one, untrustworthy down to his empty core, and enjoys a sadistic kick—so, if the news seems good for once, or a day, we can be glad, but don’t ever count on it lasting. The game he is playing has different goals and different rules than the approach to reality that more normal people have. A danger for us is ever to believe he has changed or is fundamentally normal also—ie, applying ethics or reason to his areas of responsibility. Then, in relief, we let down our defenses or even join his gaudy bandwagon. No, the false pursuit of such a narcissist is delusional self glory. And he will wreck anyone, even the entire world, in its pursuit.
I am so tired of this defeatist nonsense. It breeds hopelessness and depression among Ukraine advocates. Telling people fighting for their freedom that "...the false pursuit of such a narcissist is delusional self glory." Is incredibly selfish and helpful to Putin. There is a lot that can be done to persuade Trump and a lot of us are working day and night on it. Because you don't know how to deal with Trump does not mean that he can't be dealt with.
Very good analysis, as usual from Diane, of Trump's handling of Putin and his genocial war against Ukraine. The problem is that in the past, Trump has shown tolerance for Putin's evil and treated him like a naughty bully instead of the chief war criminal of our times. I wish Trump had not humiliated Zelensky in the Oval Office. A sadder day of punching down a leader of an innocent country on the world stage, I do not recall. I hope Trump shows consistency in his support of Ukraine.
A Friday night watching the news—witnessing, yet again, the capitulation, the fawning, the cheapening of a world that once stood for basic values. A world that once admired courage and character. A world that stood up to dictators and maniacal narcissists.
At what point do we stop cringing before the abusive, racist bullying of Donald Trump? When do we stop pretending it’s all part of some clever negotiating strategy that justifies bootlicking in hopes of tariff concessions?
Let’s start with Mark Rutte, the newly minted Secretary General of NATO—aka Uriah Heep—who has already demeaned both his office and himself, bringing shame to an organization that once stood up to bullies and defended democracy. NATO now risks letting one craven, mendacious man set the tone for a strategy of unrestrained militarism.
But it wasn’t just the unctuous Rutte. The entire assembly of NATO leaders—save the Spanish Prime Minister—sat clapping like trained seals. Not one demanded that their Secretary General get off his knees and propose a serious, collective strategy to contain Russia and go all-in for Ukraine. Instead, we got a mealy-mouthed communiqué designed to please the child-king, just long enough to keep him on board until next week.
And here at home—are we not cringing to realize how quickly Canada fell into step? Pushed along by corporate Canada and their Ottawa acolytes, a government elected on a wave of genuine patriotism rushed to enter secret negotiations on trade and security—offering up who knows what concessions in hopes of cutting a deal.
Only to be met, once again, by Trump’s signature move: the shiv in the back. Unless, of course, we’re ready to surrender even more—like Canada’s right to tax corporations that earn gazillions in our market.
Meanwhile, Jeff Bezos is dropping a fortune to buy out Venice for his elite trothing and troughing party, while the collective wealth of the global plutocracy grows—largely untaxed. Across the Mediterranean, children by the tens of thousands are dying of malnutrition, after the so-called Nobel Peace Prize winner cuts what little aid they had left.
A great update that is critical to those who need 'good, concrete & timely' info. How you can analyze a moving & fluid whirlwind of so many conflicts never ceases to amaze me.
Progress usually happens one small step at the time. Knocking Iran out of the axis of terror is a good start. Lets hope regime change is next, while Ukraine gets more patriots.
Trump sways with the wind. He may profess to love America but he loves himself far, far more. I wrote a parody of Trump in 2016 before he was elected first time around and I would not change a word today. We all know Trump is a narcissist but more troubling to me is how the real levers of power have been so supine in challenging him.
I am somewhat surprised by Trump's "pivot".......and would not have anticipated it. Until we see a harder line, this may merely be a rhetorical shift. I think his commitment to NATO is important, but primarily for Europe, rather than for Ukraine. An invitation to Ukraine for NATO membership would have solved that question, but it is hard for me to imagine Trump making such a move. And, as you have correctly noted, support for the Senate sanctions/tariff (as well as the EU's 18th sanction package) and additional military support would have put this train back on track.
The big question for Ukraine is not whether there is a movement in one direction or another, whether rhetorical or real. The real, yet unaddressed, question is the divergence between Ukraine's understanding of victory and that of much of the West. Both Biden and Trump, as well as most of the major European leaders, would settle for a ceasefire followed by a frozen conflict. But that means giving up 13% of newly occupied (since 2022) territory to Putin, backtracking on reparations, war crime prosecution, and return of tens of thousands of children, and leaving millions of "conquered" Ukrainians behind to the "tender" mercies of brutal Russian masters. It also means returning to active conflict within two years.
After all, having acquired that territory at such great cost, and having greatly enhanced their clout in the process, why would they change course in gobbling up the rest of Ukraine and starting in on NATO? But this time, with the use of weaponized conscripts, resources, and know-how from the occupied territories.
I celebrate with you, Diane, Trump's "pivot" - such as it is - but I'm sure you will agree that we - Europe, U.S., and Ukraine - are not out of the woods until we begin to define "victory" the way it has been defined from time immemorial.
This is no pivot. It's more of the charade Trump hasbeen playing all along. He's Putin’s puppet who will send out signals periodically that he's changing his mind, angry with Putin, etc. to get the EU and NATO members to "make nice " and try to cajole him. Why do they keep falling for his stupid routine? He's helping Putin wherever he can. Today, he dropped sanctions on one of their blacklisted companies. There will be more.
He's destroyed my country and the supine Republicans in Congress are aiding and abetting him. I feel as if I'm sitting in 1939 Berlin
Excellent, insightful piece as usual. One correction: "On January 25, Trump took his final bow at the NATO meeting..." should read "On June 25, Trump took his final bow at the NATO meeting..."
I don’t think anyone could accuse Donald Trump of being a leader, that is, someone who leads by example. Trump threatens, berates and exaggerates to get his way. Not the behaviour of a leader. Zelensky has more leadership in his little finger than Trump has in his whole body. Perhaps this is something the (other) leaders of NATO could aspire too. Rutte, Duda and others do themselves no favours with their obsequious behaviour towards Trump. But, perhaps that is just politics for you.
The only example he sets is that of the scorpion which fatally stings the frog whilst crossing the river - its in his nature. Trump too, will sting the people who support him or in this case, trust that he will do the right thing.
As much as I would like to believe that Trump has had a change of heart, now that NATO has agreed to his 5% of GDP spending on defence, I have no faith that he will follow through on his support/promises. It is a diplomatic win for Trump, no one else, certainly not Western Civilisation.
Do we have to wait another two weeks for anything (nothing) to happen?
The only reason Trump gave the go ahead for the bombing of Iran was because the Israelis had removed the threat of air defences and he has done nothing to topple the Ayatollahs, if anything they have even more power now, using the attacks to justify retribution against those who oppose them. There is still no clear outcome, no battle damage assessment, nothing but disinformation from both Trump (and Hegseth) and the Ayatollahs in regard to the nuclear facilities.
The Europeans have to realise that responsibility for their security falls to them. They cannot and should not rely on the US to bail them out. Their combined GDP is 10x that of the Russians. They have left it late (should have started in 2007 or even 2014), but they can still do it if they put their minds and resources to it. It is clear that Russia/Putin poses an existential threat to Europe, not only Ukraine. It is time to payback the peace dividend. I believe that like minded countries would support Europe, if it showed the fortitude required to defeat Russia.
The $300 billion in Russian assets held should confiscated ASAP and used in the fight with Russia, even Putin has given up on getting it back. This the sort of commitment that is required, not the kowtowing to financial interests throughout Europe (and the UK).
I seriously doubt if NATO members will or can actually increase military spending to 5% of GDP. That would be an excessive burden and likely necessitate funds be directed away from social programs, and the like. They agreed to Trump’s demands just to passifs him; they don’t expect he’ll still be around in 2030. Additionally, I think Trump arbitrarily set the 5% level because he believes that American arms manufacturers will reap the lion’s share of the increased expenditures. He will have a surprise when many NATO members’ military spending will mostly be directed to increasing their own manufacturing capabilities and honouring military trade deals recently signed with other members, at the exclusion of the U.S. manufacturers.
IMO, there are a couple of important “takeaways” for more self-reflective folks with Trump, important to understanding Trump and oneself:
1. I don’t like him, never have, because he reflects all those interpersonal values I abhor, especially in men: racisism, mysoginism (sp), etc., etc., but my abhorence of Trump is an irrelevant self-indulgence!
He is the person, the leader on whom we now rely, and personally obnoxious people may be precisely the kinds of people we need to lead us out of our “comfortable, self-indulgent lethargies!” They push us to rethink what, in fact, works to turn very large, high mass institutions around into more useful exponents of foreign policy, fiscal responsibility or whatever you like!
2. Trump likes strength. Why? Because that’s how he likes to see himself. Surprise! Are any of us any different? Fact: he has been throughout his life a morally, behaviorally and in every other way a weak man; money and winning define his “spiritual” mantra. They always have!
However, imagine the potential for change. White House, Nobel Peace Prize, something big ti polish that enormous ego of his, his narcissistic grandiosity realized by others. MLK’s dream, if you will permit an eggageration: “Peace at last, peace at last, Great God almighty, peace at last!”
Thanks Diane. Trump's extraordinary support for evil dictator Putin disgusting and he up is a malignant narcissist. Just look at what he just did to America's once closest ally Canada and how he is wrecking the American economy unhindered and unhinged. Very dangerous man.
I'm flabbergasted by this pivot, but find myself wondering why the sudden change? Is it because NATO members are coughing up more dough? Maybe--but they've been ramping up for months and months. Is it because Trump wants the Nobel Peace Prize so he can put a gilded frame around it and hang it on a wall in his bedroom in yet another effort to convince himself he's the biggest and brightest and most shiny object in the room? Pardon me for observing for the nth time that it seems unlikely Trump is doing anything that is not primarily self-interested. But we'll take the win, because Ukraine needs the help. That's IF and WHEN Donnie Two Weeks doesn't fail to follow through.
Thank you for this assessment. Yes, we’re seeing yet another Trump pivot. Sadly, reversals of course are the rule, rather than exception for Trump. Will he do so again? Most of America, and all democratic nations will celebrate Trump if he stays his current course, landing on the “side” of justice & humanity toward Ukraine, and actually following through with delivering punishing sanctions v. Russia and weaponry provisions to Ukraine.
I was going to respond in the positive for the 'pivot' as you put it. I was afraid that Diane was going full-on TDS which I could not support. She has shown a nimbleness that is much needed in our political world. I get it though...when one cares so much for 'their side' it is a jolt to the brain when some brainiac changes their mind. Trump is all about America, I do not believe that he is "primarily self interested".
If one assumes that Trump had always intended to beat Russia by doing what Reagan did to the USSR, there is no pivot. It has all been very predictable. Reagan beat the Russians by dropping the price of oil by 50% AND starting an arms race. Trump has done the same thing (but he got Europe and Canada to pay for the arms race :)
"The war against Ukraine was not, as Putin characterizes, started because NATO threatened Russia. It happened because NATO was not threatening Russia or anyone at all." Truer words were never spoken. Also, is the pivot happening because Iran is out of the way?
I would add that NATO has shown itself to be incapable of threatening anyone, particularly Russia.
Heavily flattering a narcissist in order to steer or at least influence him in a certain direction can seem like the best tool in the box. But a malignant narcissist is loyal to no one, untrustworthy down to his empty core, and enjoys a sadistic kick—so, if the news seems good for once, or a day, we can be glad, but don’t ever count on it lasting. The game he is playing has different goals and different rules than the approach to reality that more normal people have. A danger for us is ever to believe he has changed or is fundamentally normal also—ie, applying ethics or reason to his areas of responsibility. Then, in relief, we let down our defenses or even join his gaudy bandwagon. No, the false pursuit of such a narcissist is delusional self glory. And he will wreck anyone, even the entire world, in its pursuit.
I am so tired of this defeatist nonsense. It breeds hopelessness and depression among Ukraine advocates. Telling people fighting for their freedom that "...the false pursuit of such a narcissist is delusional self glory." Is incredibly selfish and helpful to Putin. There is a lot that can be done to persuade Trump and a lot of us are working day and night on it. Because you don't know how to deal with Trump does not mean that he can't be dealt with.
Totally agree. The mercurial Trump cannot be trusted. On a whim, a perceived trangression, or an awry transaction Trump will betray.
Very good analysis, as usual from Diane, of Trump's handling of Putin and his genocial war against Ukraine. The problem is that in the past, Trump has shown tolerance for Putin's evil and treated him like a naughty bully instead of the chief war criminal of our times. I wish Trump had not humiliated Zelensky in the Oval Office. A sadder day of punching down a leader of an innocent country on the world stage, I do not recall. I hope Trump shows consistency in his support of Ukraine.
If only NATO had acted in 2014.
Had Enough Cringing?
A Friday night watching the news—witnessing, yet again, the capitulation, the fawning, the cheapening of a world that once stood for basic values. A world that once admired courage and character. A world that stood up to dictators and maniacal narcissists.
At what point do we stop cringing before the abusive, racist bullying of Donald Trump? When do we stop pretending it’s all part of some clever negotiating strategy that justifies bootlicking in hopes of tariff concessions?
Let’s start with Mark Rutte, the newly minted Secretary General of NATO—aka Uriah Heep—who has already demeaned both his office and himself, bringing shame to an organization that once stood up to bullies and defended democracy. NATO now risks letting one craven, mendacious man set the tone for a strategy of unrestrained militarism.
But it wasn’t just the unctuous Rutte. The entire assembly of NATO leaders—save the Spanish Prime Minister—sat clapping like trained seals. Not one demanded that their Secretary General get off his knees and propose a serious, collective strategy to contain Russia and go all-in for Ukraine. Instead, we got a mealy-mouthed communiqué designed to please the child-king, just long enough to keep him on board until next week.
And here at home—are we not cringing to realize how quickly Canada fell into step? Pushed along by corporate Canada and their Ottawa acolytes, a government elected on a wave of genuine patriotism rushed to enter secret negotiations on trade and security—offering up who knows what concessions in hopes of cutting a deal.
Only to be met, once again, by Trump’s signature move: the shiv in the back. Unless, of course, we’re ready to surrender even more—like Canada’s right to tax corporations that earn gazillions in our market.
Meanwhile, Jeff Bezos is dropping a fortune to buy out Venice for his elite trothing and troughing party, while the collective wealth of the global plutocracy grows—largely untaxed. Across the Mediterranean, children by the tens of thousands are dying of malnutrition, after the so-called Nobel Peace Prize winner cuts what little aid they had left.
Shame on all of us.
A great update that is critical to those who need 'good, concrete & timely' info. How you can analyze a moving & fluid whirlwind of so many conflicts never ceases to amaze me.
Progress usually happens one small step at the time. Knocking Iran out of the axis of terror is a good start. Lets hope regime change is next, while Ukraine gets more patriots.
Trump sways with the wind. He may profess to love America but he loves himself far, far more. I wrote a parody of Trump in 2016 before he was elected first time around and I would not change a word today. We all know Trump is a narcissist but more troubling to me is how the real levers of power have been so supine in challenging him.
I am somewhat surprised by Trump's "pivot".......and would not have anticipated it. Until we see a harder line, this may merely be a rhetorical shift. I think his commitment to NATO is important, but primarily for Europe, rather than for Ukraine. An invitation to Ukraine for NATO membership would have solved that question, but it is hard for me to imagine Trump making such a move. And, as you have correctly noted, support for the Senate sanctions/tariff (as well as the EU's 18th sanction package) and additional military support would have put this train back on track.
The big question for Ukraine is not whether there is a movement in one direction or another, whether rhetorical or real. The real, yet unaddressed, question is the divergence between Ukraine's understanding of victory and that of much of the West. Both Biden and Trump, as well as most of the major European leaders, would settle for a ceasefire followed by a frozen conflict. But that means giving up 13% of newly occupied (since 2022) territory to Putin, backtracking on reparations, war crime prosecution, and return of tens of thousands of children, and leaving millions of "conquered" Ukrainians behind to the "tender" mercies of brutal Russian masters. It also means returning to active conflict within two years.
After all, having acquired that territory at such great cost, and having greatly enhanced their clout in the process, why would they change course in gobbling up the rest of Ukraine and starting in on NATO? But this time, with the use of weaponized conscripts, resources, and know-how from the occupied territories.
I celebrate with you, Diane, Trump's "pivot" - such as it is - but I'm sure you will agree that we - Europe, U.S., and Ukraine - are not out of the woods until we begin to define "victory" the way it has been defined from time immemorial.
This is no pivot. It's more of the charade Trump hasbeen playing all along. He's Putin’s puppet who will send out signals periodically that he's changing his mind, angry with Putin, etc. to get the EU and NATO members to "make nice " and try to cajole him. Why do they keep falling for his stupid routine? He's helping Putin wherever he can. Today, he dropped sanctions on one of their blacklisted companies. There will be more.
He's destroyed my country and the supine Republicans in Congress are aiding and abetting him. I feel as if I'm sitting in 1939 Berlin
Excellent, insightful piece as usual. One correction: "On January 25, Trump took his final bow at the NATO meeting..." should read "On June 25, Trump took his final bow at the NATO meeting..."
I don’t think anyone could accuse Donald Trump of being a leader, that is, someone who leads by example. Trump threatens, berates and exaggerates to get his way. Not the behaviour of a leader. Zelensky has more leadership in his little finger than Trump has in his whole body. Perhaps this is something the (other) leaders of NATO could aspire too. Rutte, Duda and others do themselves no favours with their obsequious behaviour towards Trump. But, perhaps that is just politics for you.
The only example he sets is that of the scorpion which fatally stings the frog whilst crossing the river - its in his nature. Trump too, will sting the people who support him or in this case, trust that he will do the right thing.
As much as I would like to believe that Trump has had a change of heart, now that NATO has agreed to his 5% of GDP spending on defence, I have no faith that he will follow through on his support/promises. It is a diplomatic win for Trump, no one else, certainly not Western Civilisation.
Do we have to wait another two weeks for anything (nothing) to happen?
The only reason Trump gave the go ahead for the bombing of Iran was because the Israelis had removed the threat of air defences and he has done nothing to topple the Ayatollahs, if anything they have even more power now, using the attacks to justify retribution against those who oppose them. There is still no clear outcome, no battle damage assessment, nothing but disinformation from both Trump (and Hegseth) and the Ayatollahs in regard to the nuclear facilities.
The Europeans have to realise that responsibility for their security falls to them. They cannot and should not rely on the US to bail them out. Their combined GDP is 10x that of the Russians. They have left it late (should have started in 2007 or even 2014), but they can still do it if they put their minds and resources to it. It is clear that Russia/Putin poses an existential threat to Europe, not only Ukraine. It is time to payback the peace dividend. I believe that like minded countries would support Europe, if it showed the fortitude required to defeat Russia.
The $300 billion in Russian assets held should confiscated ASAP and used in the fight with Russia, even Putin has given up on getting it back. This the sort of commitment that is required, not the kowtowing to financial interests throughout Europe (and the UK).
I seriously doubt if NATO members will or can actually increase military spending to 5% of GDP. That would be an excessive burden and likely necessitate funds be directed away from social programs, and the like. They agreed to Trump’s demands just to passifs him; they don’t expect he’ll still be around in 2030. Additionally, I think Trump arbitrarily set the 5% level because he believes that American arms manufacturers will reap the lion’s share of the increased expenditures. He will have a surprise when many NATO members’ military spending will mostly be directed to increasing their own manufacturing capabilities and honouring military trade deals recently signed with other members, at the exclusion of the U.S. manufacturers.
IMO, there are a couple of important “takeaways” for more self-reflective folks with Trump, important to understanding Trump and oneself:
1. I don’t like him, never have, because he reflects all those interpersonal values I abhor, especially in men: racisism, mysoginism (sp), etc., etc., but my abhorence of Trump is an irrelevant self-indulgence!
He is the person, the leader on whom we now rely, and personally obnoxious people may be precisely the kinds of people we need to lead us out of our “comfortable, self-indulgent lethargies!” They push us to rethink what, in fact, works to turn very large, high mass institutions around into more useful exponents of foreign policy, fiscal responsibility or whatever you like!
2. Trump likes strength. Why? Because that’s how he likes to see himself. Surprise! Are any of us any different? Fact: he has been throughout his life a morally, behaviorally and in every other way a weak man; money and winning define his “spiritual” mantra. They always have!
However, imagine the potential for change. White House, Nobel Peace Prize, something big ti polish that enormous ego of his, his narcissistic grandiosity realized by others. MLK’s dream, if you will permit an eggageration: “Peace at last, peace at last, Great God almighty, peace at last!”
Thanks Diane. Trump's extraordinary support for evil dictator Putin disgusting and he up is a malignant narcissist. Just look at what he just did to America's once closest ally Canada and how he is wrecking the American economy unhindered and unhinged. Very dangerous man.