THE aftermath of the trump card played against Iran by US President Donald Trump has left him with egg on his face. He ordered the assassination of an Iranian general — against all international laws — in the hope of mustering support from his Western allies and improving his election ratings. Unfortunately, for him, his plan went horribly south and Iran got the better of him.

This is not the first time President Trump has acted in a brash manner and embarrassed the American people and his allies. His unwise move of unilaterally abrogating the nuclear treaty signed with Iran despite vehement opposition from his European allies is another episode in which Iran gained the upper hand by sticking to the treaty. He would do well to remember he is dealing with no banana republic but a nation with a rich 3,000-year past.

President Trump should also note that try as he may it is unlikely he will succeed in diverting attention from his impeachment proceedings or improve his dismal poll ratings in the next US presidential elections.

Sqn Ldr (r) Tarique M. Malak
Rawalpindi

Published in Dawn, January 15th, 2020