Essay on War & Peace

All at once.

The Assad al-Bashar attack on Syrian civilians using the outlawed sarin gas was an act against humanity for which the US and free-world allies are justified in retaliating. Legal mechanisms must be followed in waging war. As important, the Trump administration must accelerate communications with Congress to explain its policy and endgame.

With this single attack on a military base in Syria where Russians are backing the Assad regime, and where the US and allies are combatting terrorists, President has jumped into the deep end of international politics, war, and peace.

Secretary of State Tillerson announced this morning that the US and allies are engaged in a strategy to oust Assad from power. Note that Tillerson will be meeting with the Russians next week. Recall that Trump had a robust discussion with the King of Jordan just days ago and he is meeting the Chinese President now to discuss North Korea.

It is useful to establish a context for this.

Military planners have rehearsed a variety of scenarios and keep them up to date. They are ready for anything.

The protracted wars and stalemates without endgames are unacceptable.

Expect Donald Trump to play what could be his best hand, and that is calling the plays as a Quarterback, the Commander-in-Chief in hot situations. His weakest performance thus far is not having sufficient details about outcomes and the way forward. Being in the soup demands completion on all fronts all at once.

Kenneth Patchen, war protester

Does anyone think it’s easy

To be a creature in this world?

To ask for reasons

When all reasons serve only

To make the darkness darker,

And to break the heart?

—Not only of man,

But of all breathing things?

Perhaps, friends, it is time

To take a stand

Against all this senseless hurt.