Trump's Art of Unpredictability Starts to Backfire Overseas

[left-of-center2012]

Excerpts from article @ https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-05-31/trump-s-art-of-unpredictability-starts-to-backfire-overseas

In recent days, Trump’s sudden policy reversals on everything from tariffs to nuclear non-proliferation have prompted complaints from allies and rivals alike. “Every flip flop in international relations simply depletes a country’s credibility,” said Hua Chunying, a spokeswoman for China’s foreign ministry.

U.S.’s U-turn on the Iran deal infuriated many allies, who see the agreement as essential to avoiding yet more conflict in the Middle East. German Chancellor Angela Merkel concluded that the European Union could no longer rely on the U.S. for security.

On Tuesday, Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad -- who took power in May -- said he had no interest in meeting Trump. “I don’t know how to work with a person who changes his mind overnight,” he told the Financial Times in an interview.

Trump’s earlier decisions to pull out of the Paris climate change agreement and the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal -- threatens to erode alliances built up over 70 years. Trump “is oblivious to the advantages of being at the center of the global order,” said Michael Fullilove, executive director of the Lowy Institute, in Sydney. “He is dubious about the value of alliances

[BigmanPigman]

1. They aren't stupid. They know he is crazy

and unpredictable. Many foreign leaders have been trying to play his game as they flatter him endlessly or they just say "fuck off" like the president of Mexico did.

[smirkymonkey]

4. Seems to me like Mexico is the only nation with any pride here.

Anyone who sucks up to this manipulative pig is just asking for more abuse. He despises any sign of weakness and they just encourage him.

[herding cats]

5. I suspect the "rumor" of the way to get Trump to agree with you is to flattery was started by Trump

He isn't going to actually change his course. It's all a game to him and he enjoys both the ego stroke from the pandering, and the thrill of debasing the person when he later humiliates them publicly.

He's always been like that in all his dealings. It's insanity to think he'd be different now.

[BigmanPigman]

7. Well said!

[exboyfil]

2. I kind of hope for some foreign intelligence agency

Reveal Trump talking a Wag the Dog scenario with Hannity. That might actually get some of his base stirred up. I bet he has had those conversations.

[world wide wally]

3. They don't have to put up with him like we do...

,,,and they are wisely choosing not to

[Nat from Oz]

6. From oz

Honestly we are all looking at the USA thinking how the heck has this happened.
Love from Oz hang in there .