The Prime Minister of the UK, Theresa May, arrived in Washington,D.C. for a face-to-face with the new president(POTUS). She hardly had her hat in her hand, but her visit underscores her position on the BREXIT issue at home. The clock is ticking on the separation from the EU, and Ms. May is well aware of this time table. The better to negotiate a new "deal" with the "self-avowed" deal maker extraordinaire. Mr. POTUS has called the Brits his fave over 'there'. If there is an ounce of truth in that, Ms. May just might be able to make a deal. But it is very early in this presidency, and there's much time and thought before anything is put on paper.
The week also saw discussions with Mexico come out as less than satisfactory for both parties. A face-to-face with Mexico's President Nieto over "The Wall" was cancelled. The trade issue combined with the immigration issue was more than enough to cause much teeth gnashing at Foggy Bottom and in Mexico City. While much ink has been used discussing immigration, the fact is a new law to control the flow is a long way off. Most economists are trying their best to explain NAFTA to the White House and what it has meant to both countries over the past 25 years. Yes, there is an unequal trade balance between the US and Mexico, but the trade agreement has continued to improve life south of the border.
On Saturday, POTUS was to speak with POR(pres. of Russya). This conversation would be more symbolic than substantive. Of the many issues, few could surpass Ukraine, Crimea, Syria, Afghanistan, the Middle East, Hacking of the D.N.C. computers, and, of course, economic sanctions that have helped push the Russyan economy deeper into recession. Well, maybe they talked about a face-to-face this spring in a neutral country: North Korea? or Kamchatka? Or Belorussya? or France? What would new Sec. Defense Mattis do? The former Marine general was sworn in this week at a Pentagon ceremony where he was praised by POTUS.
Regarding the hacking of US party computers before the election, Russyan state media announced Thursday that there has been several arrests of individuals suspected of leading the hacking effort. Names have been published and defense lawyers have responded to various inquiries. Hmmm. What does the Kremlin want to do now? Deflect a little criticism? The large international computer security company, Kaspersky, has had one of its senior executives arrested and charged with : TREASON. Yes, don't you just love the Russyans? What a bunch! Treason, such an over used word. Made up to facilitate elimination of opponents, no doubt. Why would anybody do business with Kaspersky, an obvious arm of the Kremlinistas? Oh, well. To each his own.
And then, the executive order to stop the entrance at the border(airports) of all foreign nationals from a list of countries, most notably those in the Middle East that have figured in the news for at least the last 12 years. Chaos has reigned, especially at US airports on the east Coast that are the primary gateways of these travelers to the US. Hmmmmm. How can these departments keep ahead of the pen? Not easy.
What next from the shores of the Potomac River? Just wait a day. Our Minister of Latin American Affairs texted that he will attend a meeting today to look at the latest executive orders. Many foreign diplomats are concerned that these 'new' orders are illegal. Already a US judge has issued a stay against further stoppages at the border. Hmmm. Different times.
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