THE PROSPECT that the Trump administration will soon develop friendly relations with Russia appears to be fading fast. If the administration is developing a more realistic view of Mr. Putin and the threats he poses to core U.S. interests, that is to be welcomed. If Mr. Tillerson really wants Russia to switch sides, he will need to obtain what Mr. Kerry sought in vain — leverage provided by U.S. military action to cripple the Assad regime. Russia could meanwhile round up and dispose of the chemical stocks that the Assad regime still retains. But as Mr. Kerry could tell Mr. Tillerson, even that won’t fly with Mr. Putin unless the United States is willing to show greater resolve.

Source: Washington Post April 11, 2017 23:15 UTC