Hands Dealt

(Hands Dealt)

On March 1st, 1942, in the Battle of the Sunda Strait, the cruiser USS Houston was sunk along with Australian destroyer, the HMAS Perth. This action effectively ended Allied attempts to prevent Japan from seizing the Dutch East Indies (Indonesia). There were numerous factors involved, not the least of which was Japanese control of the air but beyond that, the Japanese at the time has superior doctrines, equipment and tactics. The Japanese march through the Indies were like the tentacles of an octopus. It had been bad strategy that hindered the efforts of the initial Allied confrontation with the Japanese. But it was a strategy imposed by Japan and all the American, British, Dutch. and Australian navies could do was suffer defeat. In other words. the Allies were dealt a bad hand.


In the heated conversation President Trump had with Ukrainian President Zelenski, Trump that the Ukrainian leader had no cards. Which was true. Ukraine was never going to prevail over Russia and all the weapons sent from this country was not going to equalize the force balance. But that is not what one argues with the President and Vice President of the United States.


Zelenski got schooled by Trump and Vance. The Ukrainian President was asked to leave the White House and President Trump has said Zelenski could return and accept the mineral deal if he is interested in peace. Republicans are generally in favor of the Trumpian America First agenda where as Democrats think the deal assists President Putin.


Vladimir Putin is the only quality that is mentioned, even though he will have to allow input at some point. He knows that the mineral and rare earths, if implemented would conclude Russian operations in country. His forces are in nominal occupation in the eastern part of the country, as it happens, that is where a lot of the material is found. Which could give the Russian leader some leverage.


Before any of that can be considered, however, President Zelenski needs to come to his senses and realize that the author of The Art of the Deal is offering the Ukrainian President the best terms he will get. Raise, call, or fold.

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