Trumpspeak

Trump's latest example of diplomacy was so typical of the man. He says sorry to Tehran for the loss of 13 lives from an IS terror attack but then effectively tells the Iranians they deserve it because they are state sponsors of terrorism. It's such a graceless remark. OK, Iran has been accused of sponsoring terrorism on many occasions by previous American presidents. But there is now a nuclear deal with Tehran under which Iran stops the enrichment of uranium in return for a lifting of economic sanctions. In other words, perhaps a golden opportunity to improve relations and bring Iran back into the international community. That's going to take time, there's still a lot of suspicion and cynicism on both sides, but surely there's a glimmer of hope that things will change. Then along comes Trump and hits them in the eye. The Iranian foreign minister responds by saying Trump's remark is repugnant. The important thing for Trump to get into his head is that it is not the Iranian people who are being accused of sponsoring terrorism, it's the regime, and more particularly the Iranian Revolutionary Guard. The Revolutionary Guards' support of Hezbollah, defined by Washington as terrorists, and their aggressive intervention in Iraq and Syria make them America's enemy. But there are times for accusation and there are times for a generosity of spirit. Trump started all right with his message of sympathy but then spat on it with his little barb. America's reputation is going down hill so fast because of the man in the White House. It is very very sad to watch.