Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Guardian - US
The Guardian - US
World
Robert Tait In Washington

Trump may be using Nixon’s ‘madman theory’ – and similar infamy may await

Richard Nixon Donald Trump United States Iran Henry Kissinger Ali Vaez Hormuz Vietnam
a composite image showing two men in suits speaking
Richard Nixon pioneered the ‘madman theory’ of diplomacy, and Donald Trump appears to have deployed it in dealing with Iran. Composite: AP, NurPhoto/Shutterstock

Donald Trump has made no secret of his admiration for Richard Nixon, Watergate and leaving office in disgrace be damned.

But the president has taken his tribute act to new levels in threatening to erase Iran as a civilization, only to step back from the brink when the Tehran regime agreed – at a price – to reopen the economically vital strait of Hormuz.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Country Singer Ella Langley Faces Social Media Backlash as Old Alabama Hunting Photos Resurface
Country singer Ella Langley is facing online criticism after photographs showing her with hunted animals resurfaced, although there is no indication the controversy has affected her music or touring plans.
International Business Times UK
International Business Times UK
Travis Barker reveals reason for hospital visit
Travis Barker shared photos from hospital, where his wife, Kourtney Kardashian, and daughter, Alabama Barker, were by his side, on Tuesday (06.10.26).
BANG Premier
BANG Premier
George Clooney ‘planning to open Italian restaurant in France’
The Oscar-winning actor is said to be preparing to open the eaterie near the Provençal estate where his family have established their home in France.
BANG Premier
BANG Premier
“Is Picking Your Nose Actually Bad For You? Human Anatomy Reveals A Surprisingly Nuanced Answer
Picking your nose might help you breathe more easily, but an anatomy video shows why scratching one particular area may be more dangerous than it appears.
Bored Panda
Bored Panda
Cigarette Smoke Reprogrammed Lung Stem Cells in Lab Models and Helped Steer Which Lung Cancer Type Formed
A Johns Hopkins lab study found that cigarette smoke primed lung stem cells for specific cancer types. What it shows and what it does not prove.
Medical Daily
Medical Daily
That Cute Squishy Toy Contains Water Beads — CPSC Says Stop Using It
A colorful squishy toy that looks like an innocent stress reliever may hide something parents cannot see: expandable water beads. About 37,000 Squishy Dumpling and Crazy Squib Ball toys were recalled on October 1 after regulators determined that their water beads could expand beyond federal limits and create a potentially…
Kids Ain't Cheap
Kids Ain't Cheap
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.
Download on the AppStore Get it on Google Play