Trump got played
Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been claiming since 1992 that Iran is weeks away from having a nuclear weapon.
Since then, American presidents — both Republicans and Democrats — have somehow managed to put Netanyahu’s “sky is falling” nonsense into the proper perspective.
And then President Donald Trump came along.
Now Netanyahu has a U.S. president who is terrified of being perceived as weak or ineffectual; a president who wants to be seen as a strongman. Now Netanyahu has a U.S. president who can be suckered into military action on Israel’s behalf.
I wonder if Trump’s next show of strength will be the invasion of Taiwan on China’s behalf? After all, China’s Chairman Xi doesn’t want to put Chinese lives in danger for that prize. Or perhaps Russian President Vladimir Putin will convince Trump to put American boots on the ground to fight against the Ukrainian military?
America’s been shown to have a weak, easily manipulated fool sitting in the Oval Office. America’s military will pay the price.
Peter Kukla, Columbus
Better safe than sorry
Iran’s nuclear capabilities were destroyed because America had more to fear than fear itself.
The possibility of America being hit with nuclear bombs by the discretion of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was questionable. Would he seek martyrdom by being killed in a conflict or struggle against perceived enemies?
All the fuss over Iran having nuclear weapons may have been unnecessary. But better being safe than sorry should give all Americans a sigh of relief.
Melvin Deere, Grove City
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Benjamin Netanyahu Played Donald Trump liked a fiddle. He’s the only victorious one| Letters
Reporting by Letter to the Editor / The Columbus Dispatch
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
