Let's talk about Trump's approaching deadline.... - Belle of the Ranch

Well, howdy there Internet people. It's Belle again. So, today we're going to talk about Trump's approaching deadline.

Coming off the news of the rescue of the downed F-15 crew member in Iran. On Easter, Trump demonstrated the eloquence and class he's world-renowned for. Sure, he shifted the deadline yet again, but he did it in such a classy way that Iran will surely see the error of their ways.

In a moment in American history that will surely go down alongside other eloquent ultimatums. Like when Reagan said, "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall." On Easter morning, he posted to social media, "Tuesday will be power plant day and bridge day, all wrapped up in one in Iran. There will be nothing like it. Open the effing strait, you crazy people whose parents weren't married, or you'll be living in hell. Just watch." Praise be to Allah. President Donald J. Trump.”

Such eloquence. That was also followed by “Tuesday 8:00 p.m. Eastern time.” So that's the new deadline. It began on March 26 when Trump gave them a 10-day deadline to reopen the straight or accept a deal. That eventually got bumped to Monday. Then it was bumped to Tuesday. The threat to hit civilian infrastructure if Iran doesn't reopen the strait kind of clears up a lot of ambiguity.

When people would ask if hitting power plants and bridges or desalination plants counted as a war crime, the answer to everything except the desalination plant was it depends. The rule is whether or not there's a military application. You cannot hit these targets for leverage in negotiations.

That brings us to the question that keeps coming in. How can Trump declare victory and leave with the strait closed? The strait was opened before this started. Now, a consequence of the half-baked strikes is the reason for continuing. That's mission creep. This is why for months we've talked about the importance of having definable, measurable objectives for any military action before it starts. This isn't a boardroom during a real estate deal where you can keep your options open. It's a war.

Senator Chuck Schumer commented on Trump's social media rantings with, "Happy Easter, America. As you head off to church and celebrate with friends and family, the president of the United States is ranting like an unhinged madman on social media. He's threatening possible war crimes and alienating allies. This is who he is. But this is not who we are. Our country deserves so much better.

Mediators are pushing for a 45 day ceasefire to broker a full peace deal.

The speaker of the Iranian parliament spoke about Trump's post, saying, "Your reckless moves are dragging the United States into a living hell for every single family, and our whole region is going to burn because you insist on following Netanyahu's commands. Make no mistake, you won't gain anything through war crimes. The only real solution is respecting the rights of the Iranian people and ending this dangerous game.”

Trump's chicken and waffles foreign policy is weakening the US beyond measure. It looks like he rushed into a conflict without understanding the consequences and then backed down when he hit resistance. The flailing of the administration is on full display for the world.

Anyway, it's just a thought. You all have a good day.