Trump showed the world that he’s willing to use force. He already had shown that by increasing force levels in other war theaters. This is a much more dramatic signal. Trump attempted no diplomacy and no use of international institutions, law or moral suasion. He acted unilaterally. He left Congress pretty much in the dust. He could have taken time to make the case with clear evidence, if he had it, and turn the world against Assad, but he didn’t. Instead he showed his raw power. That was his most important goal, to show that he’s not weak and that … Continue reading Some of What Trump’s Bombing Did: Initial Thoughts