
On Thursday, the U.S. military launched 50 cruise missiles at a Syrian military airfield in retaliation for a devastating chemical attack by President Bashar al-Assad that killed at least 80 people, marking the first direct military action the United States has taken in Syria since the start of the countryâs civil war.
The New York Times reports that the attack is the first to come directly from President Trumpâs orders and was likely done quickly in order to maintain an âelement of surpriseâ and also to perhaps âsend a messageâ that President Trump is unafraid to act on extremely short notice. Trumpâs decision to use force so quickly after Assadâs attack is a sharp contrast to former President Obamaâs more careful and considered approach to military force, the Times notes. U.S. troops currently stationed in Syria are now possibly under greater danger as a result of this strike, the Washington Post reports.Â
The decision comes on the heels of a quick change of heart for President Trump who seemed to only realize the extent of the attack on Wednesday after images of its aftermath filtered through the news. CNN reports that as this attack is the first significant and direct military action launched in the region, it could very well be interpreted by the Syrian government as an act of war.
Update (April 6, 10:30 p.m.): In brief remarks delivered from Mar-a-Lago, President Trump opened by saying that President Assad âchoked out the helpless lives of men women and children,â touching on the âbeautiful babiesâ harmed in the attack.
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A reminder: The second and more evil version of his travel ban called for a 120 day suspension of the Syrian refugee program. It is currently suspended indefinitely due to the actions of a fast-acting federal judge in Hawaii. His concern for the âbeautiful babiesâ in Syria is an exceedingly hollow bullshit sentiment.
Speaking to CNNâs Anderson Cooper, Marco Rubio said that Trumpâs reaction Wednesday was ârealâ and that President Trump will âdo what it takesâ to stop Assad.
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Update (April 6, 11:01 p.m): âI look forward to the administration further engaging Congress in this effort,â says Paul Ryan, who also called the attack âappropriate and just.â