The big decisions on the US response in Syria were made mid-week.
The strategy included a deception in which Navy warships were maneuvered to persuade the Russians -- falsely -- that the ships would take part in a strike.
bloomberg.com/news/articles/…
The strategy included a deception in which Navy warships were maneuvered to persuade the Russians -- falsely -- that the ships would take part in a strike.
bloomberg.com/news/articles/…
“Mission accomplished.”
Trump says strike is over, echoing Mattis last night.
In his speech, Trump: “We are prepared to sustain this response until the Syrian regime stops its use of prohibited chemical agents.”
US/France/UK willing to do more if Assad strays, I’m told.
Trump says strike is over, echoing Mattis last night.
In his speech, Trump: “We are prepared to sustain this response until the Syrian regime stops its use of prohibited chemical agents.”
US/France/UK willing to do more if Assad strays, I’m told.
ONLY DEBATE among national security team was over how hard to hit Syria, I’m told.
Trump and NSC principals advocated for varying degrees.
In the end, top concern was preventing regime’s use of chemical weapons — and not escalating this into US involvement in Syrian Civil War.
Trump and NSC principals advocated for varying degrees.
In the end, top concern was preventing regime’s use of chemical weapons — and not escalating this into US involvement in Syrian Civil War.
One important European ally, Germany, stayed out of the military action last night — despite some strong U.S. urging.
France’s Emmanuel Macron didn’t hesitate at all.
But Angela Merkel declined, although she made clear Germany wouldn’t stand in the way of allies’ response.
France’s Emmanuel Macron didn’t hesitate at all.
But Angela Merkel declined, although she made clear Germany wouldn’t stand in the way of allies’ response.
The Pentagon has a polished new web page dedicated to last night’s Syria strike.
defense.gov/News/Special-R…
defense.gov/News/Special-R…
Trump’s tweeting about missiles “will be coming” did serve as a warning for Russian soldiers in Syria to stay away from possible targets, I’m told.
The US didn’t want an escalation in military tensions with Russia, and tried to take care to not kill any Russians.
The US didn’t want an escalation in military tensions with Russia, and tried to take care to not kill any Russians.
The barrage on Syria included the battlefield debut of a stealthy new Lockheed Martin Corp. air-launched cruise missile produced as part of a $4.6 billion defense program.
@ACapaccio
bloomberg.com/news/articles/…
@ACapaccio
bloomberg.com/news/articles/…
Trump’s national security team SET UP A RUSE to distract Russia and Syria.
They spread word that two destroyers — USS Winston Churchill and USS Donald Cook — were in the Mediterranean region.
Neither ship, in the end, fired a shot.
bloomberg.com/news/articles/…
They spread word that two destroyers — USS Winston Churchill and USS Donald Cook — were in the Mediterranean region.
Neither ship, in the end, fired a shot.
bloomberg.com/news/articles/…
US has "significant information" that points to sarin gas as one of the chemicals Assad used on his people, admin officials say.
