'Germany vs the rest of Europe' Trump tariffs to rupture EU with backlash against Merkel

I also don’t like how cozy Merkel and Macron are willing to be with Putin’s Russia given the situation in Ukraine and Middle East

Oh. Russia. I don't know what you mean by cozy because Europe has been very supportive of sanctions against Russia. Maybe a mixed bag at worse because of energy supply in the interest of national security.

It's strange you mention being cozy with Russia though - considering President Trump has indicated many times he is seeking better relations with them.

Having a good relationship with Russia is a good thing, not a bad thing. Only "stupid" people, or fools, would think that it is bad!

As with China and even North Korea: Trump always views having a good relationship *from a strong position* and the other country to cede to some key demands.

With Russia, it would mean stopping the arms race and behaving in Syria. Trump also wants NATO countries to all pay up on 2% GDP and for Europe to stop relying on Russia for energy/oil-gas. That would strengthen us when we go to the negotiating table with Russia.

Cementing Nord Stream 2, scrambling to save the Iran Nuke Deal, and being stingy about NATO is giving Russia too much of the upperhand. I find the way the Europeans behaving about Iran particularly egregious given how Iran has behaved in the past few months alone and its murderous rhetoric towArds the U.S.

It is also unfortunate that Merkel and the Europeans cannot support Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. They’re in line with Russia/China on that issue too. But that is to be expected...

I also get the sense Germany has not been treating EU counterparts fairly either.

I read recently Germany’s military is in bad shape Equipment in deteriorating condition, shortages of spare parts, training dropping off, poor troop morale, etc. and remarkably the German people aren’t worried about it. I say let them go. Germany has never been an ally of the US.

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