“The future of US relations with its Asian allies is problematical,” Michael Springmann, the former head of the American visa bureau in Saudi Arabia, said in an interview with Tasnim.

“First and foremost is the American arrogance in dictating policy in the region, especially towards China. America simply doesn’t consider the interests of its supposed partners,”

J. Michael Springmann served in the US government as a diplomat with the State Department’s Foreign Service, with postings in Germany, India, and Saudi Arabia. He left federal service and currently practices law in the Washington, DC, area. Springmann’s works and interviews have been published in numerous foreign policy publications, including Covert Action Quarterly, Unclassified, Global Outlook, the Public Record, OpEdNews, Global Research and Foreign Policy Journal. He has written Visas for Al Qaeda: CIA Handouts That Rocked The World and a second book Goodbye, Europe? Hello, Chaos? Merkel’s Migrant Bomb. Both are available on Amazon. The books’ website is: www.michaelspringmann.com

The following is the full text of the interview:

Tasnim: Some analysts and media reports suggest that the recent G-7 summit in Biarritz, France, ended in failure as deep divisions between the US under Donald Trump and its closest allies became more evident. For example, the US-Europe dispute over Trump’s trade war with China was not bridged even a bit in the summit. Do not you think these disputes indicate that the US allies are distancing themselves from Trump and his shifting policies?

Springmann: At the conclusion of the Biarritz Summit, the best thing that can be said of the event is that few participants could agree on anything. However, some appeared to agree that Donald Trump was a problem. The Europeans and the Japanese did not directly confront Donald Trump but engaged more in diplomatic criticism. For example, Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said that stable relations between the US and China were “very important”. This might be seen as a veiled rebuke of Trumpian cowboy antics regarding trade with the Peoples’ Republic. Again, in a surprise move, the French government invited Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif for talks in an effort to resolve the collapsing Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). This obviously was an indirect slap at Trump’s policy of maximum pressure on the Islamic Republic. Donald Trump, a proclaimed climate change skeptic, refused to participate in the G7’s session on climate, biodiversity and oceans. This demonstrated his indifference to the rest of the world’s priorities, obviously alienating other nations. Finally, President Trump urged the inclusion of Russia in the next G7 meeting.  However, the Europeans insisted that Vladimir Putin’s government wasn’t welcome, supposedly, because “it doesn’t comply with democratic principles.”

Tasnim: It seems that even Asian allies of the US have also distanced themselves from the Trump administration. In the latest instance, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte declared in early August that his country would never allow the United States to deploy missile systems on its soil. Although there exists the Mutual Defense Treaty between the Philippines and the United States, Duterte said that he would bar the entry of foreign weapons, including nuclear arsenal in the country since this is considered a violation of the Philippine Constitution. What is your take on that? How do you assess the future of US relations with its Asian allies?

Springmann: The future of US relations with its Asian allies is problematical. First and foremost is the American arrogance in dictating policy in the region, especially towards China. America simply doesn’t consider the interests of its supposed partners.

For example, the Philippines’ projected plan to review its Mutual Defense Treaty with the US has alarmed American policy makers. They are particularly discomfited by the possibility that the Philippines might withdraw from it. President Duterte has said “You cannot place nuclear arms in the Philippines. That will never happen because I will not allow it. I will never allow any foreign troops…”  Duterte naturally finds more commonality with fellow Asian leaders than with Western ones. This includes Chinese, Japanese, Korean and fellow Southeast Asian states.

America, obsessed with China, ignores the needs and wants of other countries in the region, such as South Korea and those of Southeast Asia. Blustering about North Korea, the US ignores the consequences of its policies on the southern half of the country. Given Chinese interest in islets in the South China Sea, America fails to back the concerns of neighboring countries and their claims on that real estate. As a result of such attitudes and policies, American relations with its Asian allies will likely decline.

Tasnim: The Trump administration has walked away from various international agreements, ranging from the Iran nuclear deal to the Paris Agreement on climate change mitigation. In early August, the US formally withdrew from the Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty with Russia which was signed by the former Soviet Union and the United States back in 1987. What is your assessment of Trump’s policy on international agreements? Are the US moves to renege on its international promises aimed at boosting its global hegemony, which has recently declined very fast?

Springmann: The Trump Administration’s leaving important international treaties, such as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) with Iran and other countries and the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF) with Russia, is aimed at buttressing its global hegemony. While these moves have been successful, they have not been without criticism and blowback.

Trump’s penalties on Iran after leaving the JCPOA have come from Sigal P. Mandelker. Likely still an Israeli citizen, she is in charge of US sanctions at the Treasury Department. Her policies have antagonized Europeans and brought forth a good deal of censure. The Arms Control Association noted that leaving the INF “…goes against the wishes of allies in Europe and elsewhere who want to preserve the treaty…”  Moreover, since the US has left the pact, it has miraculously come up with a weapon with qualities far beyond the INF’s constraints. Given the lead time for such things, it is obvious that America had planned to abrogate the treaty well in advance.

These moves have demonstrated that the United States cannot be trusted in agreements great or small.  America will cast them aside when and if it sees an advantage in doing so.

The post Future of US Ties with Asian Allies Problematical: Ex-Diplomat appeared first on Iran News Daily.

“Sir Alex Ferguson has undergone emergency surgery today for a brain haemorrhage,” the statement said.

“The procedure has gone very well but he needs a period of intensive care to optimise his recovery. His family request privacy in this matter.”

According to the Daily Mail, an ambulance was called to the Scot’s home in Cheadle, near Manchester, in northwest England at 9:00 am local time (0800 GMT) on Saturday

Concerns for Ferguson’s health started to mount when it was announced his son, Darren, the manager of English third tier club Doncaster, would miss his side’s League One match against Wigan on Saturday because of “family reasons”.

– ‘Keep fighting Boss’ –

“It is tragic. I am going to find out how he is as soon as I possibly can,” said Everton manager Sam Allardyce, a longstanding friend of Ferguson’s, after his side’s 1-1 Premier League draw at home to Southampton.

“Obviously I knew it was extremely serious when I knew his son Darren didn’t attend his own game at Doncaster today,” the former England boss added. “I hope he has a full recovery.”

Southampton manager Mark Hughes, who made his name in football as a United striker during the early years of Ferguson’s time at Old Trafford, said: “I only just got a little whisper earlier on. I was hoping it wasn’t true. I wish him all the best.”

Former United striker Wayne Rooney said on Twitter: “Get well soon Boss. Thoughts with all the family at this sad time. #AlexFerguson.”

There was a a particularly heartfelt message from Edwin van der Sar and his wife, Annemarie.

Van der Sar who was United’a goalkeeper when Annemarie, suffered a brain haemorrhage in 2009 from which she has since recovered.

“Devastated about the news about Sir Alex and knowing all too well about the situation ourselves. Stay strong and hope together with everyone you recover. Edwin & Annemarie,” said the couple’s Twitter post.

Michael Carrick, a current United midfielder, said he was “absolutely devastated”.

He added: “All my thoughts and prayers are with him and his family. Be strong Boss.”

The sympathy extended beyond those with United connections, with Vincent Kompany, the captain of recently crowned English champions Manchester City, summing up the mood of many messages from rival clubs when he said: “Hang in there Sir Alex. Thoughts are with the family and close ones.”

Away from football, Nicola Sturgeon, the First Minister of Scotland, tweeted: “My thoughts are with Alex Ferguson and his family – wishing him a full and speedy recovery.”

Ferguson retired five years ago when he stepped down as United manager, having won a staggering 38 major trophies in just over 26 years in charge, including 13 Premier League titles and two European Champions League triumphs during his time at Old Trafford.

He was back at United’s home ground last week to present a commemorative vase to old rival Arsene Wenger, who steps down as Arsenal manager at the end of the season.

– ‘Watershed’ –

Ferguson had planned to retire at the end of the 2001/02 campaign but changed his mind after speaking to his wife Cathy and their family.

But the death of his wife’s twin sister in 2012 provided Ferguson with what he later wrote was a “watershed moment.

“I felt that, after all those years during which Cathy had put me first, it was time that I took care of her needs,” he explained.

Prior to arriving at Old Trafford, Ferguson, enjoyed considerable success as manager of Aberdeen, helping interrupt Glasgow giants Celtic and Rangers’ Old Firm dominance of Scottish football.

Ferguson, a former Rangers striker, won three Scottish championships, four Scottish Cups and the 1983 European Cup Winners’ Cup in charge of the Dons.

It was a similar story at Old Trafford, where his United teams ended Liverpool’s dominance of the domestic game, with the highlight of Ferguson’s time in charge a 1999 treble of Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup titles all in the one season.

The post Football unites to wish Ferguson well after emergency brain surgery appeared first on Iran News Daily.