H.R. McMaster on “Face the Nation” with Margaret Brennan, Aug. 25, 2024

Retired Lieutenant General H.R. McMaster, the former National Security Adviser, recently discussed his new book, “At War With Ourselves: My Tour of Duty in the Trump White House,” during an interview on “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan.” He shared insights from his time in the Trump administration and addressed ongoing tensions in the Middle East, especially concerning U.S. troop presence and the looming threat from Iran.

In the interview, McMaster expressed concerns about the 40,000 U.S. troops stationed in the region, raising the issue of potential miscalculations and repercussions. He emphasized that U.S. forces might be limited in their response capabilities, suggesting that the U.S. has demonstrated a reluctance to directly confront Iran, which he identified as the main source of regional violence.

When asked to elaborate, McMaster clarified that Iran is pursuing aggressive strategies that could lead to further destabilization. He pointed out that Iran is willing to sacrifice lives from its own region to achieve goals against Israel. Furthermore, he highlighted Iran’s ongoing efforts to supply arms to various groups across the Middle East, including proxy forces in Lebanon and Syria. He argued that this broad support for militant groups underscores the importance of maintaining security lines to prevent resupply operations, particularly those affecting Hamas in Gaza.

Moreover, McMaster noted that Iran’s nuclear ambitions pose a significant threat that needs urgent attention. He connected this ongoing conflict to the long history of violence in the region, referring to the 1983 bombings that killed U.S. Marines and explaining how the past has shaped current hostilities.

Addressing the broader implications for U.S. foreign policy, Brennan questioned what challenges the next commander in chief would face. She cited McMaster’s observations on Trump’s interactions with various global leaders, including his difficulty in distinguishing trustworthy advisers from those offering simplistic or shallow analyses. He recalled instances of Trump suggesting extreme military actions, raising concerns about the potential for rash decisions driven by lack of historical context.

When asked whether Trump could recruit competent advisers if he were to win re-election, McMaster expressed cautious optimism. He believed that confirmed positions could attract individuals committed to effective governance and sound decision-making. Despite the chaotic narratives often associated with the first year of Trump’s presidency, he recounted that significant policy achievements were made, particularly a major shift in U.S. strategy toward Iran.

However, McMaster was clear that, under Trump’s administration, the return to previous policies pertaining to Iran has been detrimental. He criticized the Biden administration for reinstating the very measures that the Trump administration worked to dismantle. He highlighted that the sanctions relief allowed Iran to further fund its destabilizing activities in regions such as Iraq, Yemen, and Gaza.

McMaster’s book delves into the complexities of Trump’s relationships with world leaders, including Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He expressed concern that Trump’s lack of historical understanding could render him vulnerable to manipulation. This, he argued, is critical to consider, especially if Trump were to pursue controversial agreements that could compromise U.S. interests.

He recounted the nuanced challenges of advising Trump, emphasizing the importance of providing him with solid analyses and multiple policy options to enable informed decisions. However, maintaining focus and follow-through proved to be a struggle due to external pressures and the need to appease a political base.

In particular, McMaster discussed a moment when Trump sent a flattering note to Putin while serious allegations of malfeasance involving Russia were surfacing. He recalled feeling perplexed by Trump’s seemingly persistent connection to Putin, reflecting on how that dynamic could influence future foreign policies.

Overall, McMaster’s insights offer a glimpse into the intricate workings of the Trump administration’s national security strategies and the ongoing geopolitical challenges ahead. He underscores the importance of wise counsel in leadership and the implications of past decisions on current events.

Source: CBS News