M Santhananaban
The Trumpian ghost of Jeffrey Epstein seems unwilling to disappear. It is now taking shape as a dangerous and ill-conceived naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
Should the US attempt to enforce the blockade, the consequences could be severe – hyperinflation, deep economic disruption and possibly armed hostilities.
The blockade will deepen tensions, create uncertainty and further disrupt trade in oil, gas and fertilisers – affecting every country in the world.
US President Donald Trump is proving to be a threat not just to Iran but to the global community. A prolonged blockade risks triggering the collapse of more fragile economies, triggering much distress.
China and Russia have, so far, shown considerable restraint in the West Asian crisis. That restraint may be severely tested if their vessels are intercepted. Trump appears to be forcing both powers to react. The nature and course of that reaction is unpredictable.
Trump’s blockade is an undisguised act of aggression, provocation and intimidation – and it is likely to prove pointless. Iranians are clearly made of sterner mettle and have withstood sanctions for decades.
- Sign up for Aliran's free daily email updates or weekly newsletters or both
- Make a one-off donation to Persatuan Aliran Kesedaran Negara (ALIRAN), Maybank a/c 507246118995 or CIMB a/c 8004240948
- Make a regular pledge or periodic auto-donation to Aliran
- Become an Aliran member
Cuba has been targeted in a similar way, yet China has demonstrated that the US grip can be challenged and broken. China’s willingness to defy the US is likely to attract growing support and further isolate the Trump administration.
The blockade is a major disruption and threat to the global community. We can only hope for sanity to prevail.
It is imperative that domestic opposition in the US pursue the process to remove Trump from office – whether through the invocation of Amendment 25 or other constitutional means. His actions are erratic, destructive and detrimental to the global economy – and to the US itself.
Let us hope that this happens, for there appears to be no other alternative.
Dato’ M Santhananaban is a former Malaysian ambassador with 45 years of public sector experience.
The views expressed in Aliran's media statements and the NGO statements we have endorsed reflect Aliran's official stand. Views and opinions expressed in other pieces published here do not necessarily reflect Aliran's official position.
- Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
- Galakkan pembangunan saksama, lestari serta tangani krisis alam sekitar
- Raikan kerencaman dan keterangkuman
- Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
- Lawan rasuah dan kronisme
