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Saturday March 21, 2026

March 21, 2026 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday March 21, 2026

Trump’s Oil Obsession and the Strategic Bind

March 13, 2026

Donald Trump’s presidency has been marked by a relentless pursuit of “energy dominance,” a policy prioritizing fossil fuels over renewable energy. His “Drill Baby Drill” rhetoric and dismantling of environmental protections have undeniably favoured the oil industry, aligning him with climate change skeptics and garnering substantial support from fossil fuel donors.

This approach offers short-term benefits for the oil sector but poses long-term risks for the U.S. economy and its global standing. As the world increasingly shifts towards renewable energy, Trump’s policies risk ceding leadership in the green energy sector to China, which has aggressively invested in clean technology.

Analysis: How Trump’s “energy dominance” plan helped fuel the new war in Iran

December 12, 2025

Trump’s foreign policy further underscores his oil-centric worldview. His interventions in Venezuela and now Iran seem driven by a desire to control oil resources. In Venezuela, his efforts to topple Nicolás Maduro were partly successful, aligning with his strategy to expand U.S. influence over global oil markets.

However, the situation with Iran has become a strategic miscalculation. Trump’s administration underestimated Iran’s ability to leverage its control over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil supply. The closure of the Strait has disrupted oil markets, leading to soaring prices and benefiting geopolitical rivals like Russia.

Opinion: The consequence of Trump’s war on Iran is a still-metastasizing military disaster

March 7 2026

Commentators like Gwynne Dyer and Andrew Coyne highlight how Trump’s actions have not only failed to achieve their intended outcomes but have also trapped him in a geopolitical bind of his own making. The notion that military might alone could secure energy resources has backfired, as Iran’s asymmetric tactics have exposed the vulnerabilities of an over-reliance on oil.

The irony is stark: Trump’s attempt to use military force to ensure energy security has instead destabilized markets and weakened U.S. influence. His decisions have divided NATO, emboldened adversaries, and left the U.S. mired in conflict without a clear path forward.

Opinion: How Trump has been caught in his own trap

November 13, 2024

In hindsight, Trump’s fixation on oil appears not just short-sighted but detrimental to U.S. strategic interests. His administration’s inability to foresee the complex geopolitical ramifications of its energy policy underscores a critical lack of strategic foresight. As the world pivots towards sustainable energy, Trump’s legacy may well be one of missed opportunities and strategic missteps that favoured immediate gains over long-term prosperity.

Friday March 20, 2026

March 20, 2026 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday March 20, 2026

Republished at The Toronto Star. Posted to Flagler Live (Florida). Condemned by HonestReporting Canada, and yet again. Also, Warren Kinsella.

Trump: A Lapdog of Netanyahu and Putin?

October 10, 2025

Donald Trump’s “America First” campaign promised to withdraw the U.S. from endless foreign conflicts, a message that resonated with many Americans. However, his actions in office have starkly contrasted with this pledge, raising questions about his susceptibility to foreign influence, particularly from Benjamin Netanyahu and Vladimir Putin.

During his 2024 campaign, Trump frequently called himself the only president in generations who “didn’t start a war” and promised that a second term would “turn the page forever” on the era of never-ending conflicts. He campaigned on a platform to “terminate ‘forever wars’ and bring American troops home,” asserting that success would be measured by “the wars that we end – and perhaps most importantly, the wars we never get into.”

Analysis: Trump needs to reject Netanyahu’s quest for a forever war

June 24, 2025

Yet, his decision to reduce U.S. involvement in Ukraine was seen as a capitulation to Putin, whose aggressive actions in the region have destabilized Europe. This move marked a significant reversal from previous U.S. commitments, aligning with Russia’s interests and signalling a worrying trend of appeasement. As Mark MacKinnon noted in The Globe and Mail, the chaos in the Middle East has served as a boon for Russia, enhancing its economic and strategic position.

In the case of Iran, Trump’s actions appear to be guided more by Netanyahu’s ambitions than by clear U.S. objectives. As Kenneth Roth argued in The Guardian, the U.S.-Israeli bombing campaign has lacked legal justification and strategic clarity, instead reinforcing hardliners in Iran. Israel’s aggressive tactics, reminiscent of the Dahiya doctrine, have drawn the U.S. into a conflict that serves Israeli interests while undermining American ones.

Opinion: Israel’s Manipulation of Trump on Iran

October 20, 2023

This departure from “America First” has not gone unnoticed domestically. Prominent supporters like Joe Rogan, Tucker Carlson, and Joe Kent have distanced themselves, reflecting a broader disillusionment within the MAGA base. Reader comments in the NYT echo this sentiment, criticizing Trump for prioritizing Israeli interests and neglecting American welfare.

Trump’s behaviour towards Putin raises further alarms. Reports have surfaced suggesting Russia is sharing intelligence with Iran to guide missile and drone attacks against U.S. forces in the Middle East. Incredibly, Trump acknowledged on Fox News that, “I think he [Putin] may be helping them a bit, yeah,” justifying this by comparing it to U.S. support for Ukraine. This startling admission reveals a troubling willingness to downplay actions that jeopardize American military personnel.

In 2026, Trump has self-branded as the “President of Peace” to reconcile his anti-interventionist promises with his military escalations in Iran and Venezuela. Originally used during his 2024 campaign to contrast himself with “warmongering” opponents, this title has become a central point of contention as his second term sees an expansion of U.S. military action.

Opinion: The war in the Middle East already has one big winner: Russia

January 23, 2026

Despite his 2024 campaign promises to “bring the war in Ukraine to an end within 24 hours of being inaugurated,” Trump’s foreign policy moves have raised significant concerns about his leadership and independence. By aligning too closely with Netanyahu and appearing to pander to Putin, he risks not only his political future but also the credibility of the United States on the world stage. As public opinion shifts and former allies turn away, Trump’s legacy may well be defined by his failure to uphold the very principles he once championed.

Wednesday March 11, 2026

March 11, 2026 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday March 11, 2026

Also published in The Korea Times. Posted to the Counterpoint Substack.

Oil’s Might and a Leader Untethered: The Iran Conflict

March 26, 2025

The recent conflict with Iran underscores significant challenges in global politics, particularly the uncontrollable power of oil prices and the hazards of a presidency unmoored from strategic guidance. President Trump’s assertion that “the war is very complete, pretty much” starkly contrasts with the chaotic reality of surging oil prices, which have far-reaching economic implications.

Analysis: Why Trump can’t afford to brush off the Iran war’s economic impact

June 24, 2025

Despite claims of military success, the volatile oil markets reveal the limitations of political rhetoric. The immediate impact on consumers and global economies highlights how oil, as a powerful economic force, demands respect and strategic management. This situation underscores the necessity for careful planning and collaboration in international relations.

However, Trump’s leadership style complicates these challenges. Operating with an impulsive approach, he is surrounded by advisors who affirm rather than challenge his views. This environment lacks the critical oversight needed to prevent governance driven by gut feelings, leading to reactive and potentially destabilizing decisions.

Opinion: Trump Has No Idea How to End the War With Iran

March 7 2026

The absence of strategic counsel and guardrails in the decision-making process allows for actions with unintended consequences. In an interconnected world, where economic forces like oil wield immense power, the importance of informed guidance becomes even more apparent. Balanced leadership, supported by thoughtful advisors, is crucial to ensuring that actions align with long-term stability and global cooperation.

This conflict serves as a stark reminder that unchecked power and impulsive decisions can lead to significant global ramifications. In navigating complex geopolitical landscapes, the presence of strategic foresight and critical oversight is essential to manage powerful economic forces and maintain international harmony.

Friday March 6 2026

March 6, 2026 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday March 6 2026

Also published in The Toronto Star.

Unraveling Accountability: The New Age of Unilateralism

January 23, 2026

In recent years, the concept of accountability in international military interventions has faced significant challenges. The Pottery Barn rule, famously articulated by Colin Powell—“you break it, you own it”—once served as a moral guideline for nations engaging in military action. This principle emphasized the responsibility to address the aftermath of interventions, ensuring that affected countries were not left in chaos. However, recent actions by the Trump administration suggest a troubling departure from these norms.

Analysis: You Break It, You Own It? Not for Trump When It Comes to Iran

January 8, 2026

The New York Times article “You Break It, You Own It? Not for Trump When It Comes to Iran” highlights a stark shift in U.S. foreign policy. The administration’s stance on Iran reflects an alarming disengagement from post-conflict responsibility. As American leaders speak of “annihilating” Iran’s military capabilities, their rhetoric distances the U.S. from the long-term consequences. President Trump’s statements, echoed by officials like Vice-President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, signal an intent to leave Iranians to deal with the aftermath, without a clear plan for reconstruction or stability.

August 22, 2025

This approach sets a concerning precedent. If the U.S., once a champion of a rules-based international order, sidesteps its obligations, it emboldens other powers to do the same. A parallel can be drawn with Russia’s involvement in Ukraine. If the U.S. eschews responsibility in Iran, what stops Putin from ignoring reconstruction in Ukraine? The implications extend beyond these two nations, threatening to unravel the norms that have governed international conduct.

Reader comments on the article capture a growing frustration with this trend. Many highlight the perceived hypocrisy and lack of accountability from U.S. leaders. The sentiment is clear: unilateral actions without a commitment to rebuilding undermine global stability and moral authority. This erosion of responsibility risks normalizing a world where might makes right, and the powerful evade the consequences of their actions.

January 27, 2026

For Canada and other nations committed to multilateralism, this shift demands a proactive response. Canada must champion international norms, working through the UN and other institutions to uphold the principles of responsibility and reconstruction. Diplomatic efforts should focus on building coalitions that prioritize humanitarian support and legal accountability, ensuring that the international community does not abandon the people left in conflict’s wake.

News: Zelenskyy fears Trump’s Iran war could hurt Ukraine

January 7, 2026

In this uncertain landscape, Canada can play a pivotal role. By advocating for a return to principled intervention and robust post-conflict planning, we can help restore faith in a rules-based order. The stakes are high—not just for Iran or Ukraine, but for the integrity of the global system we all rely on. It is imperative that we act now to reaffirm the values that promote peace and stability worldwide.

Friday February 27, 2026

February 27, 2026 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday February 27, 2026

Also published in The Toronto Star.

Canada’s Pragmatic Path Forward with India

April 26, 2025

In recent years, Canada’s relationship with India has faced challenges, exacerbated by the missteps of the Trudeau era. His visit, remembered for flashy costumes and misplaced gestures, did little to advance Canada’s interests, leaving a legacy of strained ties and missed opportunities.

Prime Minister Mark Carney is charting a new course focused on substance over style. This shift towards a transactional relationship with India is both pragmatic and necessary. With the United States under Donald Trump’s unpredictable and often hostile leadership, Canada’s reliance on its southern neighbour has become increasingly untenable.

News: Carney’s India trip is all business: An inside look at what the PM has planned

Trump's unpredictable foreign policy, marked by grand gestures towards Russia and North Korea, has isolated the U.S. while strengthening alternative global alliances.

September 3, 2025

India’s vast and growing economy offers a crucial partnership opportunity. Carney’s strategy involves securing meaningful trade agreements, such as a comprehensive economic partnership and energy deals. These agreements are about more than economic gain; they represent a strategic alignment that reduces dependence on an unreliable U.S. partner.

November 18, 2024

While economic engagement is a priority, Canada cannot ignore underlying challenges. Governance issues, human rights concerns, and sectarian tensions remain critical. Like China, India presents complexities, including political interference and domestic issues that aren’t particularly appealing. Carney’s administration must weigh these through the lens of recent history, reassessing who Canada can and should do business with, and recognizing those, like the U.S., who can no longer be relied upon.

Analysis: A new foot forward in India

September 20, 2023

The move toward a transactional relationship with India marks a departure from past superficial diplomacy. It’s about recognizing shared interests and forging resilient partnerships that withstand geopolitical shifts. Canada’s approach must be clear-eyed and pragmatic, ensuring strategic engagements do not compromise core principles.

In moving forward, Canada has the opportunity to redefine its global standing, blending economic ambition with a commitment to values, while mitigating the risks of U.S. hostility. This path, though complex, is essential for securing Canada’s place in an interconnected world.