McMaster out, Bolton in as Trump's 3rd national security advisor
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region — John Bolton, a vocal supporter of the Iraq war and critic of the Iran nuclear deal, will be the next national security adviser to US President Donald Trump.
"I am pleased to announce that, effective [April 9], [John Bolton] will be my new National Security Advisor," Trump tweeted on Friday."
Bolton, 69, has advocated for regime change in Iran, supported George W. Bush's invasion of Iraq, criticized Turkey after the failed coup, and has supported Kurds' "legitimate aspirations."
“I think the government of Iraq has collapsed. I don’t think it can be put back together. I have said the Kurds in Iraq have demonstrated being capable of governing themselves. I don’t see them ever going back voluntarily," he told Rudaw in July 2016.
Known for his bushy white mustache, Bolton is Trump's third national security advisor, following H.R. McMaster who replaced Michael Flynn.
"I am very thankful for the service of General H.R. McMaster who has done an outstanding job and will always remain my friend," Trump also tweeted.
Trump contemplated tipping Bolton as the next secretary of state, but AFP reported his background would've made a senate confirmation difficult.
During Bush's presidency, Bolton was chosen as the ambassador to the UN, but was unable to win senate confirmation. He resigned after 17 months into the recess appointment.
"I am pleased to announce that, effective [April 9], [John Bolton] will be my new National Security Advisor," Trump tweeted on Friday."
Bolton, 69, has advocated for regime change in Iran, supported George W. Bush's invasion of Iraq, criticized Turkey after the failed coup, and has supported Kurds' "legitimate aspirations."
“I think the government of Iraq has collapsed. I don’t think it can be put back together. I have said the Kurds in Iraq have demonstrated being capable of governing themselves. I don’t see them ever going back voluntarily," he told Rudaw in July 2016.
Known for his bushy white mustache, Bolton is Trump's third national security advisor, following H.R. McMaster who replaced Michael Flynn.
"I am very thankful for the service of General H.R. McMaster who has done an outstanding job and will always remain my friend," Trump also tweeted.
Trump contemplated tipping Bolton as the next secretary of state, but AFP reported his background would've made a senate confirmation difficult.
During Bush's presidency, Bolton was chosen as the ambassador to the UN, but was unable to win senate confirmation. He resigned after 17 months into the recess appointment.
Bolton expressed in a Wall Street Journal opinion piece on January 15 that US policy should aim depose the Islamic Republic of Iran's regime.
"America's declared policy should be ending Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution before its 40th anniversary," he wrote.
"Arab states would remain silent, but they would welcome this approach and might even help finance it. Israel can also remain silent but pressure Iran's forces, as well as its clients, in Lebanon and Syria, to maximize the stress on Iran's security assets,” added Bolton.
Amnesty International called Trump's choice "reckless."
"Bolton's influence over national security policy could result in even more civilian deaths and potentially unlawful killings given his disdain for international law and international institutions," Zeke Johnson, Senior Director of Programs at Amnesty International USA, said on Thursday night.