One of the analysts the NYT cites is affiliated with CSIS, a militarist think tank funded by Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, Exxon, Chevron. Another is from an anti-Iran/pro-Israel think tank with strong ties to neoconservatives.
National Security Adviser John Bolton—who had helped found UANI and was on its advisory board until he joined the Trump administration—was also quick to defend UANI. “Attempts by [the] Russian government to intimidate Ambassador Wallace and UANI are unacceptable,” he tweeted. “If President Putin is serious about stabilizing the Middle East, confronting terrorism and preventing a nuclear arms race in the region, he should stand with UANI and against Iran.”[8]
The close ties between UANI and the Trump administration notwithstanding, many observers were surprised at the strong and swift reaction of key figures in the U.S. government to what was a barely reported story, and a comparatively mild rebuke from Russia. One observer speculated that Bolton’s relationship with the group—and the fact that a closely connected group, the Counter-Extremism Project, had paid Bolton $165,000 from September 2015 until Bolton took his post as national security adviser in April 2018—combined with his and President Trump’s connection to prominent UANI funder and Republican mega-donor Sheldon Adelson“provide certain financial incentives for the national security advisor’s comments.”[9]
Then they turn to Elliot Abrams! It’s like they’re not even trying to hide it anymore. These national security types have been getting it wrong for a long time. Yet they are granted credibility and prime real estate in the biggest papers in the world. I just don’t get it. I really think Bolton can get booked on Maddow if he plays his cards right.
![[scooter]](/data/avatars/m/22/22287.jpg?1659477690){kind=avatar}
