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Friday July 31, 2026

July 31, 2026 by Graeme MacKay Leave a Comment

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday July 31, 2026

The Tides of Determination

June 12, 2026

The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has reached a critical juncture, marked by the indomitable spirit of the Ukrainian people and the entrenched position of Vladimir Putin. The war, rooted in territorial aggression and political survival, underscores the stark contrast between a leader clinging to power and a nation resolute in defending its sovereignty.

Putin’s determination to maintain the war reflects his need for political survival. As analyzed in recent articles, including a comprehensive piece from the Guardian, Putin is deeply invested in the continuation of this conflict. His strategy appears to rely on a war of attrition, betting on the exhaustion of Ukrainian resources and international support. Yet, this approach overlooks the resilience and unity of Ukraine, whose citizens have shown unwavering commitment to protecting their borders.

Analysis: Russians already call August cursed. Will it be Putin’s bleakest month?

June 3, 2026

Despite challenges, including NATO’s hesitations and the near appeasement of Putin by a Trump-led U.S., there remains a palpable sense of optimism for Ukraine. The determination of its people, backed by strategic acumen, suggests a turning tide. The Times of London article highlights Russia’s historical struggles in August, a month that could symbolically and practically become a bleak period for Putin. Reader comments reflect a growing belief that Ukraine’s strategic gains and moral high ground could shift the momentum.

This conflict, widely seen as a quagmire, will likely persist until a significant change occurs within Russia. As echoed in discussions and analyses, the war will not merely conclude with negotiations but with a fundamental shift in Russian leadership or policy. The resilience of Ukraine, combined with the international community’s steadfast support, challenges the notion that this is an unwinnable war for Ukraine.

Analysis: Russia is losing the war in Ukraine, and Putin is desperate. But that’s when he’s at his most dangerous

August 13, 2024

The coming months, particularly August, could prove pivotal. As history has shown, Russia has faced significant challenges during this time. If Ukraine continues to harness its strengths and global alliances, there is hope that this period might indeed be Putin’s bleakest, marking the beginning of the end for his aggressive campaign.

The war in Ukraine is a testament to the power of resilience and determination. While Putin remains committed to his course, the unwavering spirit of the Ukrainian people, despite international political complexities, provides hope for a just resolution. The tides may soon turn, bringing an end to a conflict that has tested the limits of endurance and courage.

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.

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 January 23, 2026

January 23, 2026 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday January 23, 2026

Posted to The Week, and The Korea Times, and The Daily Cartoonist.

Trump’s “Board of Peace” – A Farcical Power Play

October 26, 2024

In what seems like a plot ripped from a 1960s James Bond film, former President Donald Trump has introduced the “Board of Peace,” an initiative that purports to establish an alternative to the United Nations. With Trump at the helm indefinitely, this board is emblematic of his unconventional and often alarming approach to international relations.

News: Trump rolls out his Board of Peace at the Davos forum, but many top US allies aren’t participating

The irony of this initiative is stark. Trump’s tenure has been marked by aggressive military posturing, such as the removal of Venezuela’s leader and threats to annex Greenland. These actions have consistently undermined the post-World War II rules-based order. His domestic policies, including the immunity granted to ICE, further exemplify a dismissive attitude toward the rule of law.

January 21, 2026

The Board of Peace demands a $1 billion entry fee from participants, with vague promises of humanitarian efforts. The lack of transparency and the centralization of power in Trump’s hands raise serious concerns about his true intentions. This initiative is less about peace and more about consolidating influence and reshaping global governance in Trump’s image.

Further complicating matters is the Board’s composition. While it includes countries like Saudi Arabia, Hungary, and Qatar, major allies such as the UK and France have declined to participate, citing concerns about undermining existing international systems. Russia and China, while courted, remain noncommittal, highlighting the geopolitical complexities at play.

March 26, 2019

Beyond the political maneuvering, this initiative adds to a collection of gifts and accolades that have been lavished upon Trump, seemingly to bolster his legitimacy. Whether it’s the private jet from Qatar, a gold bar from Switzerland, or the controversial FIFA peace prize, these tokens serve to enhance his image despite the dubious nature of his leadership.

The premise of peace is noble, but the execution is farcical. The involvement of authoritarian leaders and the exclusion of key U.S. allies only add to the skepticism. It is a scheme that diverts valuable attention and resources, all under the guise of international cooperation.

Opinion: Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’ Would Have Global Scope but One Man in Charge

January 7, 2026

Trump’s proposal reflects a broader pattern of attempting to dismantle established norms and structures. By positioning himself at the centre of this new order, he challenges the very foundations of multilateral diplomacy. His approach raises questions about accountability, ethics, and the real goals behind this initiative.

This isn’t a thrilling movie plot—it’s a real-world scenario that demands scrutiny. Trump’s Board of Peace is yet another bizarre chapter in a series of strategies that reflect his unorthodox leadership and highlight the perils of placing unchecked power in the hands of one individual. As the world watches, it’s crucial to question and challenge such initiatives to safeguard the principles of true international peace and cooperation.