US sends third aircraft carrier to Middle East

Brief retelling from RIA II

The third US aircraft carrier, the USS Theodore Roosevelt, is heading to the Middle East along with several amphibious assault ships and Marines.

Currently, there are already two American aircraft carriers in the region - the George W. Bush and the George Washington.

According to expert Yuri Bocharov, sending a third aircraft carrier serves as a show of force and creates a suitable backdrop for President Trump's statements of resolve ahead of the November elections.

MOSCOW, October 5 – RIA Novosti. The third US aircraft carrier in the Middle East is an excellent background for statements by American President Donald Trump about his determination, especially on the eve of the November elections, this opinion was expressed in an interview with RIA Novosti by Israeli analyst, candidate of political sciences, expert on international conflicts Yuri Bocharov.

The Middle East-bound aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt and several amphibious assault ships carrying Marines departed the San Diego naval base in California on Sunday. Currently, there are two American aircraft carriers in the region, the George W. Bush and the George Washington. If the latter remains after the Roosevelt arrives, the number of US carrier strike groups in the Middle East will reach three for the first time since April.

“Here it is, the necessary decoration. While mediators, sanctions and possible access to money are being discussed, a large ship is moving towards the region. This is quite enough for television credibility. An aircraft carrier is a serious military force. And at the same time, an excellent background for the statement: look what a determined person I am,” the expert said.

As the November U.S. midterm elections approach, he said, it is important for Trump that his party approaches it with the image of a strong president in control.

“A protracted war, expensive oil and daily unpleasant news are inconvenient neighbors for this image. Trump needs a respite, which can be sold to the voter as his own victory. Military pressure helps to show strength. Possible financial concessions can help get silence. Two tools for two audiences: the ship for the audience, the terms of the deal for the intermediaries,” the agency’s interlocutor noted.

Bocharov emphasized that in this way an almost ideal design is obtained for Trump. “The reduction of the vulnerable presence is explained by wisdom. The refusal to open a new front is responsibility. Financial concessions, if agreed upon, will be proof of the art of the deal. The third aircraft carrier will provide all this with a rather formidable appearance. We do not know how the bargaining will end. But what is happening, in my opinion, is increasingly reminiscent of an attempt to get closer to part of the Iranian conditions, while retaining authorship and a victorious expression on one’s face,” the analyst concluded.