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Bolton’s Appointment Signals Preparation for Iran

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President Trump has replaced National Security Advisor General H.R. McMaster with Ambassador John Bolton effective April 9, 2018.

Timing might seem to point toward recent leaks from within the National Security Council.

NSC leaks may have impacted the timing of McMaster’s retirement – but leaks had nothing to do with the fundamentals behind Bolton’s appointment.

The change occurred because of Iran.

Some quick background. President Trump called Putin on March 20, 2018, to congratulate him on re-election:

“I had a call with President Putin and congratulated him on the victory. We had a very good call, and I suspect that we’ll probably be meeting in the not-too-distant future to discuss the arms race, which is getting out of control. . . . And also to discuss Ukraine and Syria and North Korea.”

Much was made of President Trump congratulating Putin on an election Putin was sure to win – with the media conveniently forgetting Obama did exactly the same thing in 2012.

But that wasn’t the problem.

Details behind President Trump’s call with Putin were subsequently leaked to the Washington Post:

President Trump did not follow specific warnings from his national security advisers Tuesday when he congratulated Russian President Vladi­mir Putin on his reelection — including a section in his briefing materials in all-capital letters stating “DO NOT CONGRATULATE,” according to officials familiar with the call.

There have been a series of leaks from the National Security Council over the last year. The NSC is a large organization, incorporating hundreds of staff.

But this leak almost certainly had to come from within McMaster’s circle of staff. Some speculated the leak originated from McMaster himself.

I’m less sure of McMaster’s role. My guess is the leaks originated below him.

And I’m certain that wasn’t the reason for Bolton’s appointment.

Back in August 2017, when rumors of McMaster’s imminent firing were everywhere, I wrote a piece titled Trump, McMaster & Trust. I noted the following:

I don’t personally know McMaster. I don’t know if McMaster is a good fit for the Administration. I don’t truly know what McMaster believes. I don’t know if I should trust him. I haven’t been personally briefed.

But I believe President Trump knows.

McMaster is in the position he holds at this particular moment for a purpose. President Trump wants him there – for a specific reason.

If McMaster is the National Security Advisor today, there is a purpose for him being there today. If he is fired tomorrow, there is a reason for that as well. If he holds his position for the remainder of the Administration, he is the right man for that job.

President Trump has brought a new approach to White House staffing. A corporate approach. People are shifted into and out of positions as situations and focus change.

McMaster was brought in to confront ISIS and coordinate with the Gulf Cooperation Council. ISIS is now obliterated. That job is done.

Negotiations with North Korea lie directly in front of us. A confrontation with Iran waits impatiently in the wings.

I find this strategy refreshing.

Mike Pompeo recently replaced Rex Tillerson in direct preparation for North Korean talks.

Ambassador John Bolton has now been added to the Team in preparation for Iran.

This thread by Alex Behzade lays out exactly what I believe to be occurring:

Iran and to a lesser extent, North Korea, are why McMaster is being replaced.

Leaks from McMaster’s staff may have precipitated the move, but this personnel change was already planned.

It’s Ambassador Bolton’s time now.

“When 2017 needed a warrior, 2018 needs a negotiator.”

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