Donald Trump, age 79, is a man in a hurry. Our Telegram column examines the sudden change in a president who has now snatched Nicolás Maduro; is threatening Iran, Cuba and Mexico; and even says he wants to take Greenland “the hard way” if necessary. He is likely to find that American military power is not a magic wand he can wave endlessly without negative consequences.

Speaking of Iran, there is little love lost between (Persian, Shia, internationally disruptive) Iran and its (Arab, Sunni, status-quo-favouring) Gulf neighbours. But the Gulf’s leaders are quiet as the latest protests rock the country. They may now fear chaos more than they despise the ayatollahs.