[April 17, 2017] There has been a lot of discussion recently about what message U.S. President Donald Trump intended to send when he authorized a military strike on a Syrian air base. For those familiar with the complexities of great leadership, things are not so simple. I support this authorization because I understand what he means and so should you.
The limited missile strike on the Syrian regime for its use of chemical weapons against civilians was immediately followed by those who questioned what President Trump was trying to communicate to Syria … or even if the chemical attack happened. A number of experts and media commentators went to great lengths to ask what the purpose was of the military strike. Some were confused. Others perplexed. They shouldn’t have been.
Here are a few of my observations and please note that there are five messages and several audiences:
1. The first message is to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad; not to “Syria” because it is Assad, not his people, who holds power. The message says that use of chemical weapons is unacceptable. The limited strike on the Syrian air base was simply to show the capability of the U.S. and what will happen again and to a much larger extent if chemicals are again used.
2. The next messages are to all heads of state across the world. The primary message is that the era of President Obama foreign policy is over. Trump will support America’s allies and watch its enemies closely. He doesn’t issue empty threats.
3. The United Nations will be given a chance to solve problems but if they fail to act or act quickly enough, the United States will act with or without its consent and also with or without approval from the international community.
4. A strong message for America’s enemies; the U.S. military has the capability and capacity to strike anywhere and anytime accurately without warning and with devastating results. The countries of Iran and North Korea who should take this very seriously and so should the Islamic terror group ISIS.
5. The message to everyone and anyone interested, President Trump has the lawful authority to act without Congressional approval and without debate. He acted within U.S. Constitutional boundaries.
The study of leadership means understand the ends (outcomes), ways (methods), and means (resources) analysis model of strategy. For those who are surprised by these messages – plainly given to various audiences – they are blinded by either ideology or simple ignorance. The former is inexcusable, the latter is solvable.
And, best wishes to everyone on this Easter Monday.
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