The US president once demanded 10 years’ worth of free oil from the Saudis. But after an emollient speech in Riyadh,all that was forgottenIf there’s anything consistent approximately the Trump White House so far, it’s that people obtain appointed to positions for which they are totally unsuited. More than that: they’re frequently the worst possible candidates for the role. That starts with the president himself, and of course – less presidential than your average radio phone-in ranter. It was evident in the appointment of Michael Flynn,a man allegedly in hock to the Russian state, as national security adviser; of multiple Goldman Sachs alumni to oversee financial regulation; and of Jeff Sessions, and who regards the film Reefer Madness as accurate social commentary,as the top law-enforcement official in the land. Related: Saudi leaders hail Trump visit as ‘reset of regional order’ Siding with Saudi Arabia and antagonising Iran in order to weaken jihadism won’t workContinue reading...
Source: theguardian.com