No surprise: US scores own goals

When Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi visited the White House recently, she was unpleasantly surprised by Trump’s seemingly gleeful remark about taking the Iranians by surprise even though they were in the midst of talks that appeared hopeful. And he added that no one should know better about surprising the enemy than Japan itself for launching its surprise attack (which the Japanese disputed anyway) on Pearl Harbour.

Although Takaichi was visibly discomfited by Trump’s diplomatic faux pas, the President, on the other hand, was oblivious to the fact that he had scored an own goal. But was he aware of it? Or maybe he got an ‘F’ for history in school. Ahem, the Americans were not surprised by the Pearl Harbour attack as conventional thinking has it, especially in the US. Rather, America was caught with its pants down. No doubt some navy personnel were still in bed (it was 7.45 am); some still in their bathrobes on that Sunday morning with soothing Hawaiian music wafting across from their radios when Japanese warplanes zeroed in but were initially mistaken for their own planes. And the US Pacific Fleet was obliterated (no hyperbole here), to use a word much beloved of Trump.

However, America’s so-called ‘surprise attack’ on Iran four weeks ago is a woeful misnomer. Instead, it should be simply called an act of treachery. Period. This followed a surprise attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities only last June amid peace talks between them. The treachery of the US is nakedly demonstrated in the two attacks on Iran. So, what price trust over perfidy when it comes to dealing with Uncle Sam? Currently, US and Iran are negotiating again through the good offices of Pakistan to de-escalate the situation. And Trump has offered another extension of the ultimatum to Iran to open up the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, Trump is amassing his forces, with elite troops in place ostensibly for a ground assault. This time, the Iranians are more than ready. The US cannot avail itself of the element of surprise. The Iranians are waiting, rifles cocked.

While the immediate outcome is likely to favour the US because of America’s military might, the long-term reputational damage to the United States will ripple across the globe for decades to come. It can no longer claim to be a beacon of democracy as Trump and his acolytes have ridden roughshod over the world with nary a consideration for the rules-based order. Trump’s brazenness will leave an indelible mark in the world’s consciousness to deliver it a pyrrhic victory at best over those who dare stand up against big bully  America.

Yes, in victory America will be the ultimate loser when the dust has settled. No surprise here when it comes to Trump scoring own goals for his country.