might just kick out our military forces there, and that would pretty much wipe out our efforts in Syria. That would please the Russians very much, which is probably why Trump is taking this tack.

I have to wonder if that "back-channel" to Putin is actually real and active.

time and time again.

We depend heavily on that nation to provide a place for our military operations. That, of course, ticks off the Russians. So, Trump is taking the Russian line and damaging our relationship with Qatar.

It's one of the most blatant things going on right now, but is being ignored, pretty much. Most people have no idea where Qatar is, nor what its significance might be. That lets Trump and the Russian-linked Republicans sabotage our efforts in the Middle East very effectively.

That said, I am not in favor of any meddling in Middle Eastern affairs, but that's not our policy, so Trump's meddling will damage well-established military options in that area. I think this may become a bigger story soon.

US forces may have to leave. Putin's ambitious attempt to raise world oil price - he needs minimum $70 barrel but $100 is the goal. He figured destabilizing middle east will dramatically cut their oil production. Trump - sign me in, make drilling great again.

This story and what might occur with Qatar may become a major news item shortly. Trump is taking advantage of our focus on the Trump/Russia thing and is seriously endangering our relationships in the Middle East.

I'm watching this develop very closely.

it is very important and must be viewed in that context. Russia sanctioned hackers went as far as hacking qatar's government website and implanted fake news for a short time before it was discovered.

Things are moving fast because time is of the essence and trump keeps buying himself more time by saying nonsense that he'll testify under oath (just like he released his taxes). His strategy is once the war starts, we have bigger priorities. And any GOPer will tell you - war is great for the economy, McCain will never refuse a war.

explain clearly. Americans know virtually nothing about the Middle East, and this is relatively complex. It's likely to get ignored until it gets completely out of hand, and TrumPutin is taking advantage of that right now.