Now Is Trump Without The Cards
Photo Illustration by Evan Hume for The New York Times By Thomas L. Friedman Opinion Columnist New York Times President Trump often falls back on poker metaphors. He told President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine that he had “no cards” when it came to standing up to Russia. Trump told Iran’s leaders that they had “no cards” when it came to standing up to him. Would somebody please tell me when it’s poker night at the Trump White House, because I’d really like a seat at that table? Trump is betting that by blockading Iran to prevent it from exporting its oil he can force Tehran to negotiate on his terms. But some experts think Iran has enough income and can store enough oil to hold out for at least several months. Meanwhile, Iran is betting that by choking off the Strait of Hormuz — and driving up gasoline and food prices for Americans and all their allies — Trump will eventually act in accord with his TACO label: Trump Always Chickens Out. This is painful...
