Trump global influence

A handshake, a medal, and the choreography of realpolitik

Trump may not win the Nobel. Oslo may smile and move on. But Pakistan has already reclaimed what it truly sought: relevance. The gesture may seem excessive, but it’s a quiet re-entry into a room it refuses to be locked out of: a step back into Washington’s good graces.

Trump can shift global discourse in a single sentence, even a foolish one. Pakistan knows this. Munir knows this. So rather than silence or scorn, they gave him something golden: a story to tell about himself. One that benefits them more than him. — MICHAEL MCCALL FOR THE THURSDAY TIMES
The Thursday Times is published by Thursday Media International