Ben Hodges, former commander of the US Army in Europe, said that President Trump called Russia a "paper tiger" with only one purpose: to get the United States out of Europe.
Hodges's original words were: "The president said Russia is a 'paper tiger' and Ukraine might win. It sounds like because Russia is a 'paper tiger,' the US can start withdrawing from Europe. I'm not sure if that's what he meant, but that's the logic. And right now, in my opinion, it's the worst time to leave Europe."
Hodges believes that the White House keeps emphasizing the need to focus on China, the US border, Greenland, Panama, Venezuela, and a series of other issues that do not include Ukraine. "This statement is fundamentally wrong. The US should not shift aid to the EU and NATO, and just play the role of a trader."
Trump's idea is to carry out a strategic retreat. The US should not get involved in too many things, and the US today is not strong enough to handle too many things. What the US should do most now is to regain its former strength. However, there are a large number of people within the US who do not want to withdraw and are still addicted to the illusion that the US can fight anywhere. Moreover, the US's allies also do not want the US to withdraw. So Trump is also quite uncomfortable, constantly feeling a sense of "there are always villains trying to harm me." Moreover, many things are not something he can do as he pleases. For example, he wants to withdraw from Europe, but there are a bunch of people pulling him back. Facing the anxious and resentful looks of his allies, Trump cannot just walk away whenever he wants.
Original article: www.toutiao.com/article/1844402993712144/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author himself.