By Prof. Engr. Zamir Ahmed Awan
President Trump has taken hard and unpopular decisions and often used harsh language during his tenure in office as President of the United States of America.
He made several promises during his election campaign in 2016 and attracted more votes. Some of his promises were realized, but many of his pledges could not be achieved due to any reason. In fact, it is not possible to fulfill all of his promises and also not possible for him to meet the expectations of each individual. People were not happy with his performance, yet many people liked him and voted for him in elections held on 3rd November 2020. However, President-Elect Joe Biden has gained more votes till time and seems to be the winner.
One thing must be noticed; despite his hardline stance on many issues like Iran, North Korea, China, Russia, etc., there was no open war or military conflict with any other nation.
Where a few most of the previous Presidents initiated or involved in Wars or armed conflicts. Like;
President Ronald Regan (1981-89): Afghan War (1979-89), Gulf of Sidra Encounter (1981), Multinational Intervention in Lebanon (1982-84), Invasion of Granada (1983), Action in the Gulf of Sidra (1986), Bombing of Libya (1986), Tankar War (1987-88), Tobruk Encounter (1989), and cold war with USSR.
President George H. W. Bush (1989-93): Invasion of Panam (1989-90), Gulf War (1990-91), Iraqi No-Fly Zone Enforcement Operations(1991-2000), First Intervention in Somalian Civil War (1991-1995), Bosnian War (1992-95).
President Bill Clinton (1993-2001): Intervention in Haiti (1994-95), Kosovo War (1998-99), Operation Infinite Reash (1998).
President George W. Bush (2001-09): Afghan War (2001 – till date), Invasion of Iraq (2003), Second Intervention in Somalia (2007).
President Barack Obama (2009-17): Operation Ocean Sheild (2009-16), International Intervention in Libya (2011), Operation Observant Compass (2011-17), American-led Intervention in Iraq (2014), Yemen Civil War (2015), American Intervention in Libya (2015).
Looking at these facts, one can conclude that most of the previous US presidents were involved in wars, armed conflicts, or military interventions, and sometimes secret undercover missions in other countries. CIA was used for sabotage, subversion, rebellion, and revolt against some sovereign states and governments.
By nature, President Trump was a big mouth but has avoided any serious bloodshed. However, he has launched a trade war against China but was refraining from armed conflict. After exchanging harsh words with President Kim of North Korea, they extended a hand of friendship and cooperation for dialogue and opted for a diplomatic solution. After withdrawing from the nuclear deal and killing of Iranian General in Iraq, dissolved the high tension.
There are reports that he was waiting for the next term for strict actions like wars, armed interventions, and clashes. He was optimistic that he would win the elections and retain his presidency for another tenure 2021-25. To date, he has not admitted his defeat and still struggling ways and means to remain in office for another four years. He might knock doors of courts or may use any other trick to retain his presidency. He can go to any extent and may opt for an out of box route.
If he has in mind some war or war-like plan, and he could not remain in office for next tenure, then these couple of moths are dangerous. He might use his last leg to stay in the office to complete his agenda. It is feared that, if he has any agenda in his mind, but kept for next tenure, he might fulfill now. The dangerous possibilities are conflicted in the South China Sea, Iran, North Korea, etc.
We may pray for the peace and stability of the whole world. We may struggle for the safety of humanity and global security. Must urge to avert any human disaster in any part of the world. Humankind is the most precious commodity in the universe; we must protect human lives.
Author: Prof. Engr. Zamir Ahmed Awan, Sinologist (ex-Diplomat), Editor, Analyst, Non-Resident Fellow of CCG (Center for China and Globalization), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, Pakistan.
(The views expressed in this article belong only to the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy or views of World Geostrategic Insights).