Judging Freedom Alastair Crooke : Trump's Hubris-Driven Blunders
Jul 14, 2025
Alastair Crooke, a former British diplomat and expert on Middle Eastern affairs, delves into the ramifications of Trump's decisions, labeled 'hubris-driven blunders.' He critiques Trump's military actions in Iran, revealing miscalculations that strengthened Iranian unity. The discussion shifts to escalating sectarian conflicts in the Middle East, highlighting the resurgence of ISIS and the concerns for Shi'i communities. Crooke also navigates the geopolitical ramifications of misguided military strategies, particularly regarding Russia and Ukraine.
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Iran Bombing Backfires
- Trump's bombing of Iran in June 2025 aimed to topple a vulnerable regime seen as a "house of cards."
- Instead, it unified Iran and strengthened its national and Shi'i identity, triggering widespread pushback.
Lebanon Ultimatum Sparks War Risk
- US ultimatum to Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah risks sparking civil war and breaking up the country.
- This escalates sectarian violence, fueling unrest and instability across the Middle East.
Hubris Fueled Miscalculations
- Trump, Netanyahu, and intelligence agencies misjudged Iran's resilience and unity after targeted strikes.
- This reflects a broader pattern of hubris-driven mistakes in US foreign policy towards Russia and China.