On the one hand, the closest we have to a Trump doctrine of foreign policy is an aversion to military entanglements, especially in the Middle East. The contrast with the Iranians, engaged in a 40-year long game aimed at driving the US out of the Middle East, is sharp. The Iranians are playing chess.”Viewed like this, the Suleimani assassination may seem to contradict Trump’s policy, but it’s wholly in keeping with his character. Play Video 1:08 'Down with USA': protests sweep Iran after assassination of Qassem Suleimani – videoObama is especially important here. That this will not just boost Trump’s standing at home but even in the Middle East, where brute force is the one language everyone understands.

Source: The Guardian January 03, 2020 17:43 UTC