Donald Trump’s veiled praise of dictators is shocking but not unsurprising. The leading man in the Republican presidential camp has been berated the umpteenth time for something he is not at all supposed to do, let alone declare it with aplomb. The maverick Republican contender has now been found praising former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein, who was a sworn enemy of the United States and triggered a standoff with the West that is largely blamed for the current conflagration in Iraq.
As is his wont, Trump started by saying how bad Saddam Hussein was: “He was a bad guy — really bad guy. But you know what? He did well? He killed terrorists. He did that so good…” These comments by the real estate tycoon attempt to legitimise the former Iraqi president’s criminal acts against political dissenters and anti-Saddam activists. The Iraqi dictator is known to have gassed thousands of Kurds who mounted a revolt against his regime.
Trump has also spoken supportively of Kim Jong-un, the North Korean leader, known for his chronicled brutality and running the state like a fiefdom. He appreciated Kim for his actions, saying that the North Korean president may be a maniac, but “you’ve got to give him credit.” The Republican contender spoke appreciatively of Kim getting his uncle executed as part of a purge.
If Saddam and Kim are part of praise delivered by Trump, how can Putin be far behind. The authoritarian Russian President has been courted in speech by the Republican who himself has an authoritarian streak about him. Trump has repeatedly praised the Russian leader who has reciprocated by appreciating the tycoon.
It is rare for Trump not to say something that is uncontroversial. His take on foreign policy has been the most contentious part of his campaign. The businessman believes that charting the country’s course on foreign affairs is like selling a luxury apartment. His casual approach to international relations not only betrays a lackadaisical approach to foreign policy but also reflects a juvenile mindset that is not at ease dealing with serious issues.
Trump’s brusque and brazen praise for dictators has to be seen in the light of his juvenile approach to serious issues. He thinks he can probably hold foreign policy discourse on golf course turf as a strong wind ruffles his untidy mop of hair.
The American establishment has been overtaken by a sense of dread over Trump. Americans need not fret. The American political system is there to take care of mavericks like Trump. And the more astray he goes the better — as it will become easier for Americans to reject him at the hustings.
Donald Trump’s veiled praise of dictators is shocking but not unsurprising. The leading man in the Republican presidential camp has been berated the umpteenth time for something he is not at all supposed to do, let alone declare it with aplomb. The maverick Republican contender has now been found praising former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein, who was a sworn enemy of the United States and triggered a standoff with the West that is largely blamed for the current conflagration in Iraq.
As is his wont, Trump started by saying how bad Saddam Hussein was: “He was a bad guy — really bad guy. But you know what? He did well? He killed terrorists. He did that so good…” These comments by the real estate tycoon attempt to legitimise the former Iraqi president’s criminal acts against political dissenters and anti-Saddam activists. The Iraqi dictator is known to have gassed thousands of Kurds who mounted a revolt against his regime.
Trump has also spoken supportively of Kim Jong-un, the North Korean leader, known for his chronicled brutality and running the state like a fiefdom. He appreciated Kim for his actions, saying that the North Korean president may be a maniac, but “you’ve got to give him credit.” The Republican contender spoke appreciatively of Kim getting his uncle executed as part of a purge.
If Saddam and Kim are part of praise delivered by Trump, how can Putin be far behind. The authoritarian Russian President has been courted in speech by the Republican who himself has an authoritarian streak about him. Trump has repeatedly praised the Russian leader who has reciprocated by appreciating the tycoon.
It is rare for Trump not to say something that is uncontroversial. His take on foreign policy has been the most contentious part of his campaign. The businessman believes that charting the country’s course on foreign affairs is like selling a luxury apartment. His casual approach to international relations not only betrays a lackadaisical approach to foreign policy but also reflects a juvenile mindset that is not at ease dealing with serious issues.
Trump’s brusque and brazen praise for dictators has to be seen in the light of his juvenile approach to serious issues. He thinks he can probably hold foreign policy discourse on golf course turf as a strong wind ruffles his untidy mop of hair.
The American establishment has been overtaken by a sense of dread over Trump. Americans need not fret. The American political system is there to take care of mavericks like Trump. And the more astray he goes the better — as it will become easier for Americans to reject him at the hustings.
