Putin is happy to go around the Europeans, and just needs Trump to stay out of the way.
Author: Stefano Stefanini
Stefano Stefanini is the former Permanent Representative of Italy to NATO, and a former Diplomatic Advisor to the President of Italy. He is a Nonresident Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council.
Donald Trump campaigned on ending America’s “forever wars” in the Middle East. But with airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear sites, he’s become the president who finally crossed a line avoided by eight of his predecessors. He will now to try strike a deal, with an assist from Moscow.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said what others were thinking: Israel is doing the world a favor by trying to stop Iran’s nuclear program: Westerners and Arabs but also Russia and China, all would rather Tehran doesn’t get the bomb. But it may now be up to President Trump who is only concerned with his own interest.
With a long-range drone strike deep inside Russia, Ukraine sends a clear message ahead of Istanbul peace talks: we are ready to keep fighting if Moscow insists on total victory.
Jumping straight into the geopolitical fray, the words of the U.S.-born pontiff are meant to single out Vladimir Putin — a notable difference with Pope Francis. The timing may also be just right to help his fellow American, Donald Trump, orchestrate the end to the war.
American protectionism has returned, with tariffs that vary by country, but are permanent. There will be exceptions and specific negotiations but, in Trump’s intentions, they become one of the foundations of the American economy. The world must respond with this reality in mind.
An international front is refusing to bow to the White House’s demands, and it’s the only way out of the crisis.
Washington increasingly lukewarm. EU security is not a priority, so the future of NATO is at stake. Trump asks allies to increase military spending but the EU remains disoriented and uncertain.