MILITARY/RUSSIA/SYRIA/TRUMP AS PRESIDENT/TWITTER: “In a series of tweets and pronouncements in recent days, President Donald Trump has outlined a military operation still in the planning stages, spelled out a decision timetable and pointed to the kinds of weapons he may use. ‘Get ready Russia, because they will be coming, nice and new and ‘smart!’’ he tweeted on Wednesday [4-11-18], referring to advanced weaponry at least 24 hours before any operation in Syria is likely to begin. The U.S. military maintains strict discipline when it comes to discussing such operations in advance, taking the position that removing the element of surprise can render operations less effective and put troops in danger…But the commander-in-chief’s statements have telegraphed U.S. military intentions, appearing at odds with Mr. Trump’s own criticisms of former President Barack Obama and catching the Pentagon off guard.”
– Gordon Lubold and Nancy A. Youssef, “Trump Tweets Raise Questions About Military Planning,” The Wall Street Journal, April 12, 2018 7:21 am