

Alastair Crooke : The Pressures on Trump.
9 snips Aug 11, 2025
Alastair Crooke, a former British diplomat and expert in geopolitics, delves into the pressures surrounding Trump related to global affairs. He discusses the upcoming Trump-Putin meeting and its implications amidst the Ukraine conflict. Crooke highlights shifting American attitudes towards the Israel-Palestine situation and the challenges leaders face in addressing constituents' concerns. The dialogue also touches on the rising violence in the Middle East, including the dangers journalists face in Gaza and the broader impact on regional stability.
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What Trump Wants From A Showdown
- Trump seeks a headline and global dominance by staging a showstopper meeting with Putin.
- Alastair Crooke says this motive drives the Alaska summit more than substantive concessions.
No Real Russian Concessions Offered
- Russia made no substantive concessions; its offer was a sectoral ceasefire, not withdrawal.
- Crooke warns Witkoff misunderstood this and Europe panicked.
Alaska Chosen For Arctic Leverage
- Crooke suggests Putin picked Alaska because the Arctic's resources could tempt Trump with billion-dollar joint projects.
- He warns such deals could distract from Ukraine and produce political cover.