Last night President Trump announced that he had a deal with NATO although we are still waiting to see if it is agreeable to the ones who matter, the governments of Greenland and Denmark. The president seems to make a habit of talking to the big guys and overlooking the little guys who actually have final say.
I understand that the deal is along the lines of the British arrangement in Cyprus. Military bases with sovereignty over the land. Crucially that means the US gets mining rights to minerals. This is probably a bit more than I would personally have gone with. I would have suggested US led NATO presence with some kind of minerals deal. But it’s not far off.
However, to get something no better than what Britain had in Cyprus the President has had to threaten and cajole, not just economic penalties or military action. He has in effect threatened to break up the foundation of peace and security in the West.
Once loyal allies have become something different. I have argued that the UK now finds itself on its own in some issues, a co-belligerent with the US on others and in direct opposition in other areas. After 911, Britain stood shoulder to shoulder with America, that is no longer the case.
America’s schtick has been that it is the land of the free and the leader of the free world. That’s no longer the case. I see that MAGA elements have been on social media boasting that Trump used carrot and stick so skillfully. Yet, what they miss, is that the world looks on, yes partly in fear of the toddler temper tantrums but also laughing. Their hero has not made America great again. I say this as someone who is a friend of, that loves America.
Jesus commented in the Bible “What does it profit a man if he gains the world but loses his soul?”. That can happen to nations too.
Faithroots 