Managing the Middle East

Hate to sound pessimistic, but... Whenever anyone thinks they have a solution to the MIddle East, they are wrong. The biggest problem are a religion and leaders that seem willing to sacrifice its people en masse. It has leaders who simply wish arbitrary power with religious sanction.

The USA and Europe are essentially unequipped to manage such conflicting desiderata. Europe has simply given up, but the USA continues to try. Expect little and you will not be disappointed.

Trump is absolutely magnificent at commercial deals, but Middle East war is different. It is a place where power is everything, and religion is placed in its service. Or is it vise-versa?

China, at least, views the world in terms of profit and power. This is not easy but easier.

Human rights? Redistribution? Freedom of speech? Come on, already. Not there; never was; never will be.

What the West does not realize is these modern Middle East leaders view themselves in historical terms. At various times Turkey, Iran, Iraq, Syria all commanded their world. This is their measure, their desire, their goal. Ditto for China. I truly recommend all Western leader employ a historian to assist understanding of this nether world.

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