Command Change. . .

(Command Change. . .)

"Eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month."

Happy Veterans' Day !

On November 11th, 1918, Armistice Day, the horrors of the First World War were ended.  Every November date since has been observed to recognize those who served in the armed forces, and today there are active theaters in Europe and the Middle East. Also, President-Elect Trump will be (re) assuming the role of Commander in Chief. The Ukraine War has been in progress for almost three years the Middle East just over one. However, today is less about those conflicts and more about the actual combatants. Men (and women) who answered their countries Call to the Colors and have been in sustained battle and all its privations for months. So, this Veterans' Day, remembering those who have served and those who are currently serving, under whatever Flag, is appropriate.


It has been a goal of a new Trump Administration to revitalize the Defense Department that had was in an anemic state under the Biden Presidency. Starting with Afghanistan, every conflict can be traced to that decision. Conflicts that Trump will now have to deal. He and Eon Musk had what is being described as a "good call" to Ukrainian President Zelenski, was over twenty minutes and it was probably a realistic reporting of the facts on the ground. Ukraine will not win but perhaps it could break even in some way


On the other side, Trump is advising Russian President Putin to not take advantage of the situation and make any further advances. Trump will attempt to bring hostilities to a close and if there is a face-saving method forward, for both sides, the author of Art of the Deal should be able to negotiate terms that could be acceptable.


President Trump has had a relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu. In contrast to the Biden Administration who was attempting to get Israel to cease hostilities with Hamas and Hezbollah. Trump will have no such motivations. Israel has carte blanché in continuing its war. It is also interesting to repeat that Qatar is no longer an advocate for Hamas.


It is still weeks till Donald Trump begins his second term as President. However, today is for those who gave that last full measure and who otherwise serve. People are looking for something larger than themselves and, for those who have, Happy Veterans Day.

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