Reporting News and opinions
Whether the subject is healthcare, trade, infrastructure, peace in the Middle East or now Iran, there is a familiar rhythm. An announcement. A flourish. A declaration that success is “very close.” Then another announcement. Then another. Like a magician whose favourite trick is promising that the rabbit will appear in just one more hat.
For over three decades, the South Carolina Republican became one of Washington’s most recognisable political figures, surviving scandals, ideological earthquakes, party revolutions and presidential feuds with the resilience of a cactus in a drought
The performance requires a villain. Africa has been performing that role for free, and at some cost to itself for considerably longer than it should have.
Donald Trump’s return to the White House marked the triumph of image over expertise. Cabinet positions increasingly resembled casting decisions. Loyalty became more important than experience. Television skills became more valuable than administrative competence.
But wars are not graded like Olympic gymnastics. There are no medals for technical execution if the end result leaves your opponent intact, emboldened, or—worse—adapted.
