Middle East conflict entered its third week, and it looked like the US was about to suffer a defeat. However, Trump made an unusual disclosure at this critical moment, revealing a mysterious phone call that boosted his confidence. He insisted that attacking Iran was absolutely correct.

Trump

Recently, Trump once again delivered a "memorable scene" that made the whole world laugh out of their seats. In front of reporters, he repeatedly stated that he had recently spoken on the phone with a former US president. This isn't the main point; the key is that this "former president" praised Trump's military strike against Iran in the call, saying that he had also wanted to do so back then but hadn't managed to do it.

Trump's disclosure of this incident at this critical moment was clearly intentional. Although Trump claimed he had achieved a "victory," Iranian drones were still flying, missiles were still being launched, and the Strait of Hormuz remained blocked. Not only was the oil price hard to control, but his approval rating was also plummeting. Foreign criticism was expected, but even domestic citizens considered the attack on Iran a political mistake.

In this surrounded situation, Trump needed someone to endorse him. If a former president could say a word like, "I also wanted to attack Iran back then," it would prove that his decision to start this war wasn't madness, but a continuation of America's "tradition." It wasn't based on his personal preferences, but for maintaining American national security.

Trump and Biden

But something absurd happened. When journalists asked which former president it was, Trump's answer was "mysterious." He claimed he couldn't reveal it, stating that he didn't want to embarrass the retired former president. However, the more Trump was evasive, the more curious the public became. After all, there are only four living former presidents in the US, and it would be easy to find out by asking one by one.

Not asking wouldn't know, but once asked, it was shocking. The four living former US presidents—Clinton, Bush, Obama, and Biden—gradually came forward to state that they hadn't spoken to Trump recently. If there was no call, where did the praise come from? Could it be that he spoke to a deceased US president? That would be too surreal. After thinking about it, there was only one explanation: it was a fabrication by Trump himself.

Former US President George W. Bush

First, Clinton and Biden are both Democrats, and it's impossible for them to support Trump publicly at this time. Although Obama is also a Democrat, he pursued diplomatic easing with Iran during his term, signing the Iran nuclear deal. Now, it's impossible for him to say he wanted to attack Iran back then.

As for George W. Bush, it's even less likely. He invaded Iraq, which lasted eight years, cost over a trillion dollars, and resulted in the deaths of over 4,000 American soldiers. Finally, he had to withdraw in disgrace. Now, saying he wanted to attack Iran would be inviting criticism. In short, the four former presidents each have their own political calculations and historical burdens. Regardless of what they think privately, they wouldn't publicly support Trump.

Obama signed the Iran nuclear deal during his term

Trump's current war is increasingly resembling the Iraq War under George W. Bush, lacking clear objectives, exit plans, and support from allies. As it becomes increasingly obvious that he is heading for defeat, Trump has started the "crazy blame-shifting" mode, first blaming the EU, then China, and now his own people. In short, whoever gets blamed, it's their fault.

Trump's promise during the campaign to "end endless wars" has now become "getting involved in another endless war." He needs someone to take the blame and share the criticism, but everyone can see through it. Trump's self-directed performance now only shows how extremely anxious the US has become, and this war is no longer sustainable, regardless of the costs.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/7618128896865403428/

Disclaimer: This article represents the views of the author.