Syria Tomahawks

Submitted by Geoffrey Luck (Australia), Apr 7, 2017 at 01:50

I follow your comments always with great interest and appreciate your insights. However on this occasion I believe your assessment is wrong. This is a punitive strike for the chemical weapon atrocity, with no indication that it's taking sides. That conclusion can be drawn only if its followed by deeper and wider incursions, expecially by ground forces. You have also missed the important politics. Trump is distinguishing himself fom the weak-kneed Obama who drew a red line at the last chemical weapon attack, then hid behind the Congress and its inability to authorise action.So there's a domestic political aspect.

And there's an international aspect - a sharp message to Moscow that his administration is not going to allow Russia to take the initiative when it likes, but only make mealy-mouthed speeches in the Security Council about such atrocities.I believe this action also indicates future American military tactics and strategy - to stand off and use cruise missiles and smart bombs and drones to make its statements. Trump has a great personal affection for the men of the military and he will not be anxious to commit them to more death and injury.

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