Syria: White House needs to develop sound policy toward war-torn nation

President Donald Trump's reaction to photographs showing dead children in Syria, killed by chemical weapons, caused him to order airstrikes against the Assad regime that carried out the heinous act.

Trump's hasty action flies in the face of his avowed policy of keeping America out of nasty international troubles. It also showed him to be a man of compassion. But did it really help the Syrian people? Is the United States now going to become more deeply involved in the Syrian conflict? What is Trump's next move?

These are questions that have far-reaching implications. The U.S. airstrikes were a risky undertaking, opening the door to more American involvement. Trump is a novice in matters of international conflict. But, thankfully, his administration had the foresight to let Russia know that the strikes were coming. And the attacks were limited. So far, there seem to be no repercussions from Moscow other than the usual saber rattling that accompanies any U.S. intervention in Middle East affairs.

But Trump and his advisers need to come up with a sound policy toward the Syrian conflict before there are more moves that involve the U.S. military.

Trump has a lot to learn about international affairs. Let us hope he learns fast.

Published in Editorials on April 10, 2017 9:55 AM