Is "The Art of The Deal" Being Applied, and If So, Is It Working?

 Jon Stewart's mocking of Donald Trump's Art of the Deal (from a recent post) reminded me of the time Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt mocked reporters in the aftermath of the US-China Tariff War for not reading the Art of the Deal, as if President Trump was applying the "strategies" in that book to geopolitical affairs (and with success). 

And that reminder led to a thought: Is the "Art of the Deal" really being used in regards to the US (and Israel) handling Iran, and if it is, is the strategy working?

Let's break this down by the supposed 11 Points, shall we?

Think Big: Aim for the highest possible goals, as limitations often stem from fear of success or growth.

The Administration has not been publicly clear on its goals. If you believe the Policy Papers, Iran is but a speed bump to dismantling Russia and China. If you have listened to the Trump White House, the "goals" have included: regime change, liberating women, preventing the development of a nuclear weapon, preventing the use of ballistic weapons, opening the Strait of Hormuz and (of course) protecting Israel. Well...Russia and China are still functioning. "Regime change" actually occurred the night of the first American/Israeli strike on Iran in terms of leadership (but not form of government). Championing women fell on deaf ears after news broke that the early strikes involved a double-tap hit on an all-girls school. Iran's former leader (the one who was "regime changed") forbade the development of nuclear weapons; his successor (who's also his son) is not so adamant. Iran has utilized ballistic missiles for years with no real complaint from the West. The Strait of Hormuz was open before the war started. Israel is still being (somewhat) protected, but their Iron Dome was (ironically?) not designed for ballistic missiles.

Overall, "Thinking Big" has not worked out so far.  

Protect the Downside (Plan for the Worst): Anticipate the worst-case scenario. If you can live with the worst, the good will take care of itself.

Again, if you subscribe to the Policy Papers all of this chaos is fine as long as your circle can survive it. That aside, there's been no indication that the Trump White House had a plan for the Iran attacking US bases in the Persian Gulf or Strait of Hormuz being closed outside, "threaten to bomb more." The whole "manipulate the stock market every week" things seems to have been an organic idea, and I say that because it doesn't really do any harm to Iran.

Also "Protect the Downside" requires admitting that there's a "worst" to plan for, and that's counter to their mindset.

Maximize Options (Have a Backup Plan): Never get too attached to one deal. Always have plans B, C, and D to maintain flexibility if the deal falls through.

The original "plan" was a failed state in Iran that would allow the US and Israel to carve it up. Whether that meant a puppet dictator or continuous civil war is moot. Either way, it didn't happen. Negotiations are (slowly) being recognized as (at best) a stalling tactic, and military operations are looking more performative than anything else.  

Know Your Market: Thoroughly research the industry, location, and counterparts to make informed, strategic decisions.

To paraphrase Notorious B.I.G., this should have been Point #1. Suffice it to say that little to no research has been done on Iran. I would not be surprised to hear that a majority of intelligence that the US is getting about Iran is coming from Israel, which means that it's tainted. Looking back on how things have unfolded highlight the lack of research and preparation.

Use Leverage (Provide What Others Want): Leverage is having something the other party needs or cannot do without. Do not make deals without it.

The United States has been sanctioning Iran for decades, so the latter has grown used to not being dependent on the former. Iran, on the other hand, has control of the Strait of Hormuz, which can (and has) impacted the price of gas, oil, fertilizer and a number of other materials/products.

Enhance Location: While location is crucial, it can be improved through promotion and creative development.

 Iran has taken most of the US's "locations" (ie, military bases) out. 

Get the Word Out (Promote): Use publicity and marketing to create buzz and increase the perceived value of your deal.

Easily the most consistent thing the Trump Administration has done. Talk, talk, talk. Promote, promote, promote.  Sadly for them, we're in an age of social media where claims can be (relatively) confirmed and/or verified. 

Fight Back: When people treat you poorly or cross you, fight back hard.

Ironically, it's been the people of Iran (and Palestine) who have been treated poorly. But instead of "fighting back hard," Iran's response has been measured.

Deliver the Goods: You must follow through and provide quality results to solidify your reputation.

Sadly, America's "special relationship" with Israel prevents this from happening. As the recent ceasefire negotiations showed, whenever the US gets close to peace with a group/country in that reason their personal "aircraft carrier" does something to sabotage it.

Contain the Costs: Manage expenses strictly to ensure profitability.

Hahahahahahahaha!

Know When to Walk Away: Never be desperate to make a deal; being willing to walk away is a key source of leverage. 

At this point, "walking away" will be seen as a surrender, especially among Israel and American warmongers. Unless we mean "walk away" as in, "this is our deal; take it of leave it." If that's the case, Iran has repeatedly rejected Trump's offer to basically roll over and play dead, and walking away doesn't reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

And there you have it. Looks like Trump needs to read his own book.