Thoughts on Brian Berletic's (New Atlas) take on Trump admin's recent moves? I mostly agree with his cynical outlook.
Cycle of Aggression, Reset, Rearm, Aggression
As the US sends reps to meet Russian counterparts in Saudi Arabia - keep in mind the cycle of US aggression against Russia, running into a brickwall, then seeking a "reset" to buy time for pursuing aggression that has played out before.
Below is a timeline of this cycle unfolding 2 full times since the end of the Cold War.
Please keep in mind Secretary Hegseth's comments about Western troops entering into Ukraine (freezing the conflict) while NATO expands its budget and the US-Europe expand military industrial production.
It is very easy to rule out America swearing off encroachment and aggression in general - since they are openly pivoting to China in the meantime to pursue identically unwarranted encirclement and conflict in Asia-Pacific.
When conditions favor the US, Russia will be back in the crosshairs.
Here is the timeline in case the image isn't working for you - and please consider the continuity of agenda including throughout the first Trump administration;
1994: Clinton co-signs Budapest Memorandum enshrining Ukrainian neutrality;
2001: Bush withdraws from Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty with Russia;
2003: Bush oversees overthrow of the Georgian government;
2003-2008: US begins arming and training Georgian forces;
2008: In April, Bush invites Ukraine to join NATO in violation of the Budapest Memorandum;
2008: In August, Georgian forces attack Russian peacekeepers triggering Russian-Georgian war;
2009: Under the Obama administration Secretary Clinton organizes a "reset" with Russia;
2011: Following the US-engineered "Arab Spring," US Senator McCain claims Russia is next;
2014: Obama oversees overthrow of the Ukrainian government;
2014-2019: US begins training Ukrainian forces;
2019: Trump withdraws from the INF Treaty with Russia;
2019: Trump begins arming Ukrainian military;
2022: US trained and armed Ukrainian troops begin intensifying operations in the Donbass along Russia's border followed by the start of Russia's Special Military Operation;
2022-2025: US exhausts arms/ammunition in proxy war with Russia;
2025: Trump seeks "reset" with Russia while proposing Western troops enter Ukraine to freeze conflict as the West expands arms/ammunition production;
Reset 2.0. - Who is still falling for this?
Rubio said it, so it must be true? We want to believe it, so it must be true?
What actual evidence is there the US intends to do this?
Even as Rubio lies through his teeth to buy time because the US is out of arms/ammo to send Ukraine, he and the rest of the Trump administration is talking about NATO members expanding funding up to 5% of GDP from 2% - NATO, a gun pressed to Russia's head causing this conflict IN THE FIRST PLACE!
The US is also desperately trying to expand its military industrial base precisely so it can win the next time it wages proxy war against adversaries like Russia.
The US is also openly continuing to pursue an identical conflict with Russia's ally, China.
Rubio offering peace and partnership with Russia? He can barely say it with a straight face.
Wake. Up.
NO. Trump isn't not ushering in peace by "halving" the Pentagon budget.
Let's examine:
◾️Even if the US halved its military budget it would still be bigger than Russia & China's combined;
◾️He's also asking Russia & China to halve their military budgets;
◾️Russia & China use their military budget much more efficiently (as seen in Ukraine) so it comes much closer to ALSO halving their actual military capabilities;
◾️Because much of the US budget is currently fraud/waste,/abuse, cleaning up this still much larger budget would leave the US with an OVERPOWERING MILITARY ADVANTAGE over Russia/China;
◾️Because Russia & China obviously know this, they will never agree to it - but the rest of the world will only see Trump's outstretched hand of "peace," and "evil" Russia & China refusing to accept it;
It's a trick.
This take 5 minutes to actually think about and do some basic research regarding - but only if you get past your emotional reaction and deep desire to uncritically fall for it.
