I put out a tweet last night suggesting that whatever might happen in the meeting between Putin and Trump, the outcome would be half-baked Alaska.<\/p>\n
It is now clear that my prediction was right.<\/p>\n
It is very obvious from Trump's own behaviour after the so-called discussions that this meeting did not deliver what he wanted.<\/p>\n
There has been no achievement that he can talk about that will distract attention from the Epstein files, achieving which goal was the only obvious reason why this meeting took place.<\/p>\n
The result was a PR success for Putin, who appears to retain his power over Trump, the source of which is uncertain, but which appears to exist.<\/p>\n
Trump did, as a result, cede some power to Putin. He will hate that.<\/p>\n
He did nothing for Ukraine. Europe will hate him for that.<\/p>\n
And everyone, even the MAGA, will realise that the man who once claimed that he could solve this war in 24 hours was always, and as ever, bullshitting, for which no alternative word is available.<\/p>\n
So much, then, for the strong, decisive and effective leadership that authoritarians can provide. Trump should be used as evidence that those who brag, bully and abuse on their way to power are not the answer to any known problem.<\/p>\n
The young people of the UK might want to take note<\/a>.<\/p>\n