For the record I'm inclined to say it's more about Syria, as in the Trump administration feels like the best way to shore up their domestic front on the heels of the Gorsuch nominations is to demonstrate decisive action on some foreign policy issue. Syria just happened to be the first thing to come to the fire.

Even if we're throwing out the possibility of conspiracy theories, what's the last thing you heard about the investigation into Trump's ties to Russia? It sounds almost ridiculous for the media to keep reporting on it in light of this situation. Nikki Haley, who no one expected to have her role taken seriously, is one of the most vocal members of the administration as of the past couple days. And she's been consistently bashing Russia even before Trump found the spine to do the same.

It was a gamble for public opinion that the administration desperately needed after botching healthcare and barely squeaking by on his Supreme Court nominee. It didn't go over as well as originally intended. His most consistent detractors harped about the possible prelude to WWIII, while a faction of some of his consistent supporters turned on him momentarily for a hawkish move, where that same faction voted for him on grounds of opposition to interventionist policies.

The next step? Not easy. Obviously, silence the investigation as much as possible. Keep the press from hounding so much. Tillerson has an uphill battle bringing Russia down from their angry state. If he fails, rally Europe. If he succeeds, it'll be a foreign policy miracle, and the administration burns on Assad and prevents WWIII. That sounds good for numbers.

I haven't heard much, but that's been pretty typical the last few weekends. The congressional investigations will continue and its literally only a matter of time until something comes out.

What I have heard though are questions about how much forewarning the administration gave Russia before the strike.

The last things I heard on the russia connection were about Blackwater and Seychelles, and the CIA having something significant back last summer and giving briefings to senior representatives that cast comments made in October in a different light. There were other things but they all seem to raise new questions with answers that aren't likely to be true.

But now the Trump administration has an out. The investigation centers on Trump being influenced by Putin. Even if something comes out, the administration can go a couple ways. They can either say Trump's position shifted because he couldn't stand for the policies in Syria, or, especially if it's especially egregious information, he can claim to have played Putin like a fiddle and that there was no real control Russia had over Trump.

Either way, their play on public opinion will attempt to sway over and convince there is little standing that the investigation holds.

In regards to info sent to Russia, the Kremlin confirmed that there was warning to get Russia to pull troops out of the area. Another point at which we can question the motives is the lack of efficiency that came with the strike. The airport that was bombed is still in use.

The planners of the attack were not looking to take out the air base, just send a warning. It is called 'a shot across the bow'. They used the established protocol to deconflict any Russian forces to prevent an escalation. This sends a message without establishing a new level of conflict.

Trump is getting praised by some Congressional Republicans that were against Obama asking for authorization to do something similar for greater civilian damage. There is some criticism for not getting Congressional approval since there was no threat to American interests or personnel.

http://www.cnn.com/2017/04/07/politics/kfile-top-republicans-syria-trump/index.html

It appears to be more an attempt to deflect attention from Trump's failures and possible ties to Russia. Because it didn't do significant damage to Syria's ability to attack from that air base and isn't going to deter Assad with Russia's support.

Hey, I +1'd Capt_Brad. Can't remember the last time I did that! With domestic political points scored, Trump and Putin want this issue to go away. Mission Accomplished.

@Capt Brad - Trump's actions just reinforces the Arab belief that the US won't do anything that seriously risks US lives. His shot across the bow spent a lot of money for a weak message.

Frankly I am not concerned what 'Arabs' think about the actions of the United States. Like any nation we operate for our self interest. If it works for others fine. If not ......

What they think about our actions DIRECTLY impacts our ability to achieve our self interest in the region.

Capt Brad you can't go about international relations like you do diplomacy. You can't just not send press and muscle through. You've gotta talk to somebody and atleast listen to them. It's okay bud, just your bad diplomacy shining through.

Speak softly and carry a big stick. Not that private Byron would understand that

The opinion of the united states by others has been set for decades. They worry about our unpredictability and fear our might. It has always been so about us. It will continue that way. No other nation has our gravitas. No other nation can. We are a unique people. And everyone wants to either be one of us or kill us. It has always been so about us. It will continue that way. Speak softy and carry a big stick.

CaptBrad, I bet you'd know a lot about staying quite and handling big sticks.

Sixteen inch guns, acoustic torpedoes, nuclear reactors, and laser guided bombs

You are an insect Byron, needing to be dissected.

Does your ass ever get jealous of the shit coming out your mouth??

"They worry about our unpredictability and fear our might."

That's where terrorism is bred. That and destabilizing nations, which is the threat Trimp allegedly wants to send to Assad.

"They worry about our unpredictability and fear our might."

What is, is. We are Americans. One never knows what we will do or why.

"Make America Great Again." D. TRUMP end quote