Are We Closer to War?

In just a few days, the diplomatic stance of the United States has changed dramatically. President Donald Trump and his administration have pursued military actions in several cases, and made it clear in others that the US is on a much more hawkish footing.

The actions and rhetoric have shaken key diplomatic relationships, especially with key world powers with whom the U.S. has had tense, but stable relations: China and Russia.

U.S. Drops Massive Bomb in Afghanistan

According to the White House, the U.S. military dropped a "GBU 43 weapon in Afghanistan" at around 7:00pm local time Wednesday night. This bomb, also known by the name MOAB, or Massive Ordinance Air Blast, was described by Press Secretary Sean Spicer as “a large, powerful and accurately delivered weapon.” It is the largest non-nuclear bomb the U.S. has ever deployed.

The White House said the target of this massive bomb was "a system of tunnels and caves that ISIS fighters used to move around freely..." ISIS, or The Islamic State, is the militant jihadist group that has held large swaths of Iraq, Syria and northern Afghanistan. Most major powers in the Middle East oppose the expansion of ISIS, though some hardline groups in Syria and Saudi Arabia are reported to be aiding in its efforts.

Air Strikes in Syria

One week earlier, President Donald Trump personally authorized a strike on a Syrian government air base. The action was characterized as a retaliatory strike against the government of Bashar al-Assad, who international powers say carried out deadly chemical weapons attacks on Syrian civilians. US warships launched dozens of Tomahawk cruise missiles at the air base.

The Trump administration’s action was condemned by Russia and its president, Vladimir Putin, key allies of the Syrian government. Russian and Syrian diplomats continue to deny that Assad’s military carried out the chemical attacks, putting them at odds with the U.S. and other western powers.

Icy Tension with North Korea

The isolated government of North Korea has engaged in an increasing campaign of missile tests that have amped up tensions with the U.S. and other world powers. President Trump, speaking bluntly at the White House, said "North Korea is a problem. The problem will be taken care of." The administration is reportedly considering new sanctions against the rogue state, and is on high-alert in the lead up to the annual birthday celebration of the country’s late founder, Kim Il-Sung. The national holiday is marked by displays of North Korean military might.

China is a key ally of North Korea, sometimes providing protection for the quasi-communist regime, at other times outwardly supporting its totalitarian leader, Kim Jong-un. Increasing tension between the U.S. and North Korea have lead to difficult negotiations between the Trump administration and China.

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- Andrea Seabrook

(Photo Credit: FI295 / Public Domain)