The United States competes with Israel for the “Most Hated” Distinction
Washington endured yet another troubling week as President Donald Trump delivered what seemed like an unplanned remark rivaling or surpassing his unsettling performance at the United Nations, where he pondered whether he should “annihilate” Iran and reduce it to the Stone Age. Apparently, the massacre of over ninety million Persians would appease Donald’s violent impulses against innocent civilians, but his recent reflection at a campaign event in Nebraska suggested he might even be prepared to persist in war against Iran despite the cost of Iranian retaliation through attacks on American cities. He stated, “It’s a small price to pay for keeping the world safe, for keeping our country safe, and it’s going to be over with very soon. Let ’em take out Los Angeles, let ’em take out San Diego.”
Trump seemed to frame this as a sort of quid pro quo, expecting Californians and others to accept this sacrifice if it prevented Iran from gaining nuclear capabilities. However, he failed to logically link the supposed threat of such weapons to justify the devastation of millions of American lives. The irony lies in the fact that Iran neither possesses nor is developing nuclear arms—a position generally supported by US intelligence—meaning it couldn’t realistically target West Coast cities. Nonetheless, Trump’s statements reflect the limited thought processes behind his often impulsive rhetoric coming from what few functioning brain cells he apparently has.
Footage of the event reveals a crowd of enthusiastic MAGA supporters in Nebraska applauding the remarks, apparently unaware that the conflict with Iran was unnecessary, that Iran does not present a military danger to the US, and that the war could be ended immediately if Trump simply declared “victory” and recalled the troops. Such an outcome would spare countless innocent lives and prevent mutual losses, but such a solution seems absent from current White House considerations.
Following the remarks, both California’s Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom and San Diego’s Republican Mayor Todd Gloria condemned Trump’s willingness to accept American casualties as part of misguided policies emanating from Washington. Newsom expressed on social media that “After sending the National Guard to occupy California, Donald Trump is now saying our foreign enemies should ‘take out’ Los Angeles and San Diego. He is deranged and dangerous.” Meanwhile, Gloria stated, “San Diego is not collateral damage. We are not expendable. And we are never a ‘small price to pay.’ Keep our city out of your reckless war talk.”
As expected, the White House defended Trump’s remarks, with Communications Director Steven Cheung posting that “The media freakout over President Trump’s comments is not rooted in reality. He was clearly stating US cities would have been threatened if a nuclear Iran hadn’t been stopped. America is safer because of the President. Iran has no nuclear, no navy, no air force, and no money.” Oddly, Cheung misunderstood Trump’s statement, wrongly asserting that the president had “stopped” Iran’s nuclear program when in fact he distorted what Trump actually said, inventing an alternate meaning. This confusion exemplifies the White House’s ongoing dysfunction.
On a more constructive note, on September 30th, the US completed its withdrawal of troops from Iraq, a country it had been effectively occupying for 23 years. The pullout followed repeated requests from the Iraqi government and appears motivated by the intent to move American personnel beyond the range of Iranian short-range missiles and drones capable of striking within Iraq. Those forces are relocating to neighboring Jordan, staying close enough to intervene if Iraq acts counter to American “interests.”
Some may remember that in January 2020, then-President Trump ordered the killing of Qasim Soleimani, the Iranian Revolutionary Guards commander, who was arriving at Baghdad Airport for peace negotiations between Iran and Iraq. Diplomacy is no forte of Trump’s followers, especially when it involves Israel’s adversaries, so Soleimani’s elimination was deemed necessary. Iraqis recognize that the US troop departure does not signal a halt to American interference, which may continue through coercive measures, including sanctions, if not armed force.
All this indicates the conflict is far from resolved, and Trump remains capable of rash maneuvers to try to salvage his reputation. Underpinning much of this chaos is a toxic alliance between Trump and his Israeli allies. Israel pursues its vision of “Greater Israel” by seeking to eliminate adversaries in Asia and Africa. Unlike Iran, Israel possesses nuclear weapons, acquired through theft from the US, a process linked to the assassination of President John F Kennedy who opposed it. Foolish Donald is willing to go to great lengths to help Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu secure reelection, whether due to blackmail or personal affection. Regardless of leadership, Trump will cooperate fully with Netanyahu or any successor. Likewise, the usual faction of Israel-first advocates in Congress, mainstream media, and influential foundations remain committed to advancing the Jewish state’s agenda, benefiting from the association and support of Zionist interests.
For those unaware of the extent to which Zionist activists have embedded themselves in US politics, I highly recommend a detailed article recently published by the esteemed Quincy Institute, authored by Kelley Vlahos, Editor in Chief of Responsible Statecraft. She outlines how the Israel Lobby, backed by wealthy Jewish donors, effectively commandeered and transformed a conservative movement initially aligning with American interests to instead serve Israel’s objectives. Vlahos notes, “The annual confab, [NatCon 2026] ostensibly launched for American conservatives in 2019, is in Jerusalem this week, largely focused on shoring up US support for the Jewish state.” Should Israel prevail, it will lead to proposed US-Israel military integration at the Pentagon, becoming a “partner” in security and foreign policy matters. Israel will ultimately exploit and discard American interests without remorse. Both President Donald J Trump and his predecessor Joe Biden have advanced this process, aided by complicit members of Congress and media. It is to these actors that we owe the predicament where our once proud and independent nation now finds itself.
Original article: www.unz.com
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