Mr Trump’s administration, like his campaign, specialises in manufacturing daily spectacles which scandalise, distract and, most importantly, polarise. The spectacle is designed to reinforce convictions about Mr Trump’s friends and enemies; it is not about policy. Mr Mattis rightly thought an American presence was necessary to overcome terrorists in both countries and provide the required clout to negotiate a lasting peace. Mr Trump had said he wanted to pull back from the US’s traditional pivotal role in supporting the global rules-based system. Mr Trump promised disruption.

Source: The Guardian December 21, 2018 18:22 UTC