TRUMP: The thing about advisers

The AP Zeke Miller article on Jan. 5 suggests Trump embraces more risk, doesn’t listen to advisers and is focused on short-term wins. As to listening to advisers: State Department bureaucrats and academic elites do not have a stellar track record. They argue Trump will set back negotiations with Palestine, yet they have not been successful for decades in resolving Middle East issues. A new approach is warranted. Trump is a problem solver and you do not solve problems by letting them fester as politicians and bureaucrats do. Contrary to State Department advice, moving the embassy to Jerusalem occurred without a hitch. Trump has opened a dialogue (a risk) with North Korea which has brought some hostages home.

Advisers are the “conventional wisdom crowd” that has gotten the U.S. nowhere on thorny issues. Trying a different approach to North Korea, the Middle East and Iran is warranted even if considered risky by some.

The world is a better place without Soleimani. He was a killer of Americans and trouble maker in the Middle East. Trump had every right to approve his assassination. Obama was applauded when he approved the killing of Osama bin Laden and Trump’s action merits the same applause.

Our president takes decisive action to protect our country and citizens. Will Soleimani’s killing send us into full-time war? I doubt it. The Iranians are smarter than that, even if Zeke Miller is not.

FRED EBEL

Post Falls