JKane

And then some of my usual: And a favorite:

I hadn't thought about this perspective:

... Well...

Also worth considering, what will he do if he starts to believe he's about to be humiliated instead? Abruptly quit? Burn it all down? https://washingtonmonthly.com/2020/06/26/what-happens-when-trump-stops-believing-he-can-win-reelection/

Hmm, now that you point it out, the Taliban did come into existence in opposition of the Russians. Though they are just regional warlords at this point and might be open to any offer of cash or weapons. Trump denies having been briefed on it, but the fact he stubbornly refuses to have any intelligence briefings that aren't spoon-fed to him fox'n'friends style doesn't mean that a competent president wouldn't have been aware of the attempt. But quite likely nothing came of it, still good reason to stop cozying up to Putin though.