Mick Clifford: Looking at the US, it’s no wonder autocratic figures are feeling good 

America's operation as a democracy must be having the autocratic heavyweights around the world falling around the place with mirth

Former President Donald Trump, centre, flanked by his defence attorneys, Alina Habba, left, and Chris Kise, at his civil business fraud trial at New York Supreme Court. Picture: AP

The whole world really is in a terrible state of chassis, with apologies to Sean O’Casey . We are all familiar with what is unfolding in Gaza — and the West Bank — with the slaughter of the innocents.

For some global powers, the killing is merely a chess move. The Middle Eastern conflict is the latest example of where power is draining away from America as it is seen to be upholding blatant double standards. Either it doesn’t have the power to rein in Israel or it is not using it.