Trump may still play key role in ending war

We are used to the idea that his "final warnings" are worthless, that he doesn't follow through on threats, and that he always retreats when confronted by strong authoritarian leaders. 

In other words, we’ve come to believe that we should not expect any help from him in our war. Then came the bombing of Fordow.

I won’t analyze all the differences (or similarities) between the Ukrainian and Israeli situations or claim that everything will happen in the same way.

Just put yourself in Putin's shoes: can he be sure today that Trump is always bluffing and will never follow through on his threats of additional sanctions against Russia? Does he have guarantees that publicly ignoring Trump’s efforts (i.e., humiliating him) can go on forever? I think the unpredictability of the American president is once again becoming a very important factor for Putin.

Of course, if you are caught in the narratives that Trump is a Russian agent, that Putin is all-powerful, and that no economic problems will stop his war in Ukraine, you are absolutely not obliged to consider any of this. 

I am simply trying to show that Trump can still play a positive role in ending this war.

P.S. Just remember, "will be" and "may be" are not the same.

Source

About the author: Karl Volokh, political analyst, blogger.

The editorial board does not always share the views expressed by the blog authors.