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Trump’s Hawkish National Security Advisor |
By
Stephen Lendman |
| Bipartisan neocons infesting Washington love General HR McMaster. So do
media scoundrels, notably The NYT, calling his appointment “an enlightened
choice” for good reason. He’s militantly anti-Russia. In a May 2016 Potomac Foundation address, he lied claiming Russia invaded Ukraine and annexed Crimea - calling 2014 the end of the post-Cold War “holiday from history,” adding: “(W)e have awakened to this (nonexistent) threat by Russia, (aimed) “not at defensive objective but at offensive objectives to collapse the post-WWII, certainly the post-Cold War security, economic and political order and replace that order with something that is more sympathetic to Russian interests.” Weeks later, he spoke of “revisionist powers,” citing Russia, China, Iran and North Korea. He claimed Moscow’s intervention in Syria strengthened its “subversive efforts in Europe” - adding US allies “are pretty darn important” to keeping these countries and others at bay. He believes forward positioning US combat troops near the borders of Russia and China protects US national security - failing to explain neither country or any others threaten America. Last year, he was involved in determining Pentagon strategy in dealing with Russia. Last April, he told Senate Armed Services Committee members while US forces have been engaged in Afghanistan and Iraq, “Russia studied (their) capabilities and vulnerabilities and embarked on an ambitious and largely successful modernization effort.” Maintaining the fiction of Russian forces in Ukraine, he claimed their “combination of unmanned aerial systems and offensive cyber and advanced electronic warfare capabilities depict a high degree of technological sophistication.” “Russia possesses a variety of rocket, missile and cannon artillery systems that outrange and are more lethal than US Army artillery systems and munitions.” Its tanks are greatly improved. He believes with America bogged in multiple war theaters, Moscow focused on strengthening its military capability to counter its tactics. He lied claiming Russia attacked Georgia in 2008. It intervened in South Ossetia to protect its nationals - many slaughtered by Georgian forces, their aggression orchestrated, encouraged and supported by Washington. Replacing Michael Flynn with McMaster as national security advisor drives a stake through the heart of improved relations with Russia. It signals continued imperial madness on the phony pretext of combating terrorism. It’s a humiliating climbdown for Trump, betraying millions wanting an end to imperial madness, America’s resources used for vital domestic needs. What he promised he’ll only deliver for monied interests, letting hawkish generals run defense, national and homeland security. They’re warriors, not peacemakers, unconcerned about what’s best for humanity at home and abroad - perhaps eager for confrontation with Russia, China and other independent nations, recklessness if things go in this direction. Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago. He can be reached at lendmanstephen@sbcglobal.net. His new book as editor and contributor is titled "Flashpoint in Ukraine: How the US Drive for Hegemony Risks WW III." http://www.claritypress.com/LendmanIII.html Visit his blog site at sjlendman.blogspot.com. Listen to cutting-edge discussions with distinguished guests on the Progressive Radio News Hour on the Progressive Radio Network. |