Judging Freedom Scott Horton: Can Trump Bring Peace to Ukraine?
10 snips
May 14, 2025 
Scott Horton, the editorial director of Antiwar.com and author of influential books on war and foreign policy, delves into the complexities of U.S. relations in the Ukraine conflict. He critiques Trump's foreign policy decisions, especially regarding authoritarian regimes. Horton discusses foreign influence on U.S. actions, exploring a controversial $400 million gift from Qatar. He analyzes the dynamics of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, touching on nationalism and the potential for peace amidst rising tensions, while reflecting on the strategic failures of American leaders.
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Trump's Praise of Al-Qaeda Leader
- Trump praises al-Jolani, an ex-al-Qaeda leader, as a "tough guy" despite his brutal past.
- This group remains violent in Syria, contradicting claims of reformation and Western pacification.
Syria Sanctions and Turkish Role
- Trump should lift sanctions on Syria but avoid normalizing relations while backing former al-Qaeda members.
- Turks have power to change Syria's regime but status quo persists.
Complications of Trump-Saudi Ties
- Trump's cozying with Mohammed bin Salman conflicts with human rights concerns.
- Business interests complicate Trump's foreign policy stance on Saudi Arabia.
