'Unpredictable' Trump Foreign Policy Leaves World Guessing
Fahad Shabbir (@FahadShabbir) Published November 10, 2016 | 08:30 AM
WASHINGTON, , (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 10th Nov, 2016 ) - Build a wall, make nice with Moscow, tear up free trade deals and force Washington's allies to pay more for their own security.
OK, and then what? Beyond a few broad isolationist and protectionist strokes, President-elect Donald Trump has not painted a detailed picture of his foreign policy. Now, with just ten weeks until he takes command of the world's sole superpower, Washington's friends and foes are seeking clues to his agenda.
And if it seems vague, perhaps that's intentional. In speech after campaign speech, Trump insisted on the virtue of "the element of surprise." In January, Trump was asked whether as president he would bomb Iran's nuclear sites instead of relying on a negotiated deal to keep them mothballed.
"I want to be unpredictable," Trump protesting, insisting that US voters' would support -- as they eventually did -- his shoot-from-the-hip style.
In the closing stages of his presidential campaign, Trump repeatedly mocked the ongoing US-backed Iraqi campaign to liberate the city of Mosul.
Why had President Barack Obama's generals flagged up the siege four months in advance, giving the Islamic State group warning on the assault? "What a group of losers we have," he said on Saturday, as Iraqi and Kurdish forces backed by US advisers and air power closed in on the city.
"We need different thinking in this country, folks. They should have kept their mouths shut." Generals might argue that building a coalition while preparing supply lines and refugee reception areas could not have been carried out in the dark.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Robinson, bowlers help New Zealand go 2-1 up against Pakistan
Shahzeb Chachar to hold khuli kachehri on April 26
Heatwave amid Israel's aggression in Gaza brings new misery, disease risk
Tourism must change, mayor says as Venice launches entry fee
Court adjourns Judicial Complex attack case till May 17
Nasreen Noori’s book ‘Popatan Jahra Khwab’ launched
Wafaqi Mohtasib inspection team visits Excise and taxation office
AJLAC announces 5th Conference titled ‘People’s Mandate: Safeguarding Civil ..
Pak-US officials engage to enhance trade, investment ties
IBCC to promote educational excellence, expand regional presence
Pakistani 'Blue Helmets' serving UN Peacekeeping Mission in DR Congo set to leav ..
Putin says plans to visit China in May
More Stories From World
-
Slot 'confident' of Liverpool job as 'negotiations' take place
2 hours ago -
Google parent Alphabet's Q1 profits beat estimates: company
2 hours ago -
WADA asks 'independent prosecutor' to examine Chinese swimmers case
2 hours ago -
New York court overturns Harvey Weinstein sex crime conviction
3 hours ago -
Bagnaia and Spanish rivals chase victory at Jerez
4 hours ago -
Russian, Ukrainian strikes kill at least 10 in frontline regions
4 hours ago
-
Heatwave amid Israel's aggression in Gaza brings new misery, disease risk
5 hours ago -
Tourism must change, mayor says as Venice launches entry fee
5 hours ago -
Pakistani 'Blue Helmets' serving UN Peacekeeping Mission in DR Congo set to leave after 20 years of ..
5 hours ago -
Putin says plans to visit China in May
5 hours ago -
US reinstates open internet rules rescinded under Trump
5 hours ago -
Honda announces US$11 bn EV battery and vehicle plant in Canada
6 hours ago