Conspiracy theories about the Syrian air strike: [View all]

[JHan]

Some of these arguments are not persuasive.

I know Bannon and Trump don't give a fk about norms but some of these conspiracies give these unevolved fools way too much credit.

Conspiracy #1- Trump greenlighted the strike to boost his stock in Raytheon -

We have seen no proof Trump liquidated his stock holdings last summer as he claimed, but I don't see the big pay off here if he still retained those stock assets. The main areas of conflict of interest for Trump are his business assets. What should set alarms off on the outrage meter is his proposed increase in the defense budget made possible by starving critical agencies like the EPA, not his stock portfolio last year.

Conspiracy #2 - The strike was Putin's idea.

Russia and Syria were notified of the attack and this advice would have come from either McMaster or Mattis. The purpose of the attack was "symbolic" or to "send a message" - they chose the minimal option that would ruffle the least feathers. A minimal attack doesn't prove Putin whispered in his ear. Increased military activity by the U.S. doesn't advance Putin's interests since his alliance with Assad has less to do with love for Assad and more to do with retaining unimpeded access to Russia's naval base in Tartus.

Conspiracy #3 Trump used the strike to deflect from Russiagate.

This is possible, but it again gives Trump too much credit.

The chemical attack on Syria's innocent children begged a response from "the Leader of the Free World" and he chose a strike. After a year on the campaign trail decrying interventionism, he has since realised that continuing to push isolationism has made him look weak . Nikki Haley receives more praise for her forthrightness on Russia and Syria, while McMaster and Mattis are considered the only two grown ups in his administration leaving Trump looking ineffectual . So he decided to do something.... A political leader with a comprehensive raison d'être behind their foreign policy would not look as weak, but Trump is incoherent, has no philosophy or convictions beyond enriching himself which is why as POTUS he will continue making rash, impulsive decisions and why he has no business being in the W.H.