The Iran deal

[hollodero]

(05-08-2018, 06:34 PM)Bengalzona Wrote: IMO, things changed shortly after 9-11 during the Bush II admin. In particular, when we went into Iraq (our allies understood our need and desire to go into Afghanistan and generally didn't oppose that out of courtesy).

Pretty much that. Afghanistan was widely understood or at least tolerated. The Anti-American wave started with the Iraq war and what followed (torture, Gunatanamo). The damage in reputation things like waterboarding or detention without a chance of trial did to US image can hardly be overstated.

(05-08-2018, 06:34 PM)Bengalzona Wrote: Personally, I think Newton's Third Law of Physics also applies to diplomacy and politics (i.e. "equal and opposite reaction...). When other people get tired of the elephant rolling over in the bed on top of them, history shows that they get rid of the elephant.

Yeah. As European, I think we desperately need to get rid of US protectionism and take our fate in our own hands now. Starting with defense, but very much including any goodwill deals. There's no trusting this elephant right now. And that problem doesn't go away with Trump.