Letters from Europe

Today, we’ve got letters from across Europe, questioning everything from trade wars to the future of international institutions—buckle up!

Dear Krotchett,

I read that President Trump is now targeting international institutions like the World Health Organization, threatening to withdraw from it entirely. With a global health crisis still ongoing, how can this be a good idea? Should we expect more instability in international relations if he follows through?

Sofia, Madrid

Krotchett’s Response:

Ah, Sofia, you’ve hit the nail on the head. Trump’s war on international institutions is practically a sport at this point, and the WHO is one of his favorite targets. His claim? The WHO mishandled the global response to the pandemic and was “too friendly” with China. Naturally, that means his brilliant idea is to withdraw support from the very body tasked with coordinating global health responses during a global health crisis. Genius.

Dear Krotchett,

I understand that President Trump has signed an executive order to establish a unified voice for America’s foreign relations. Does this mean the U.S. will have a more consistent foreign policy, or is this just more political theater?

Henrik, Copenhagen

Krotchett’s Response:

 Trump signed an executive order to streamline foreign relations. In theory, this means a more consistent policy. In practice, it might just be a way to consolidate power and sideline dissenting voices. But who needs checks and balances when you have a “unified voice,” right?

Dear Krotchett,

I heard that President Trump proposed taking over Gaza and relocating its residents. This sounds like a plot from a dystopian novel. What does this mean for the Middle East?

Annabelle, London

Krotchett’s Response:

Ah, Annabelle, always a fan of the latest geopolitical thrillers. Yes, Trump has suggested the U.S. “take over” Gaza and relocate its residents. The plan has been widely criticized as “ethnic cleansing” by the UN. But hey, who needs international law when you have bold ideas? Should we really be freaked out by a threat of ethnic cleansing since we pretty much managed to ignore the annihilation of more than 46,000 Gazans in the past 16 months?  For most Americans, as for the Middle East goes, it’s just another Tuesday.