Donald Trump’s power is on the wane. What next for Russia, Israel – and the rest of us? | Simon Tisdall
With the global tide turning against him, the US president’s lame duck status could still aggravate old tensions and spark new explosions It was a victory for the world, too. People in the many countries that suffered pain, loss and cruel indignities at the hands of Donald Trump over the past two chaotic, fearful years celebrated a moment of glorious, shared redemption. The monster, like others…
The global tide has turned against former US President Donald Trump, marking his lame duck status and potentially escalating old tensions while also sparking new ones. While the world celebrated a shared moment of redemption from Trump's two chaotic and fearful years, his power remains shattered, and his malignant influence still lingers in the dark shadows of far-right authoritarianism.
For Iran, Trump's electoral humiliation brought hope that his war against Tehran's regime may soon end. In Israel, many who voted for change welcomed the humbling of the foremost supporter of Benjamin Netanyahu's extremist coalition. Ukrainians expressed optimism that a Democratic-controlled Congress would curb Putin's Russia. In Europe, the beginning of the end of the Trump era brought relief and hope for a more amicable transatlantic relationship.
Despite his denial and attempts to shift blame, Trump's repudiation was unmistakably personal. His diminished status could aggravate old tensions and spark new explosions, as he rarely compromises and gets angry when thwarted. Iranian celebrations might be premature, and Trump could still defy Republicans and resume or expand the war in Iran, motivated by personal ambitions and a desire for a "reverse Nixon" strategy.
Trump's weakness could potentially hasten a ceasefire in Ukraine, as Putin becomes desperate for a face-saving outcome. However, Trump's amateurish negotiators may push for concessions from Kyiv, disregarding its sovereign rights and Europe's wider security. Trump retains significant latitude in directing US defense and foreign policy, but intense scrutiny awaits him after Democrats take control of Congress.
The new Israeli government is likely to continue supporting basic Palestinian rights in Gaza and the West Bank, with Washington's backing. Trump might make nice with Europe and Canada by de-escalating tariff wars or enact the threat to abandon NATO and Europe's defense. The risk exists that he could foist regime change on Cuba, while a smarter autocrat, China's Xi Jinping, continues to outmaneuver Trump.
Urgent agreements to halt nuclear weapons proliferation and an end to White House climate emergency denial are needed, but Democrats could move swiftly to restore the overseas aid budget once they hold the purse strings. Ultimately, can Trump redeem himself? It's uncertain, as late-stage metamorphosis is improbable.
Written by urgent.news from The Guardian US's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
