U.S. Strategic and Defense Efforts

This could play a key role in Iraqi acceptance of all forms of U.S. aid, and in moving Iraq towards more effective overall policies, governance, and development.

Iran does face a serious economic crisis, and popular demonstrations as well as concern over its security spending outside Iran.

None of the eight goals seem likely to be negotiable with the Iranian government. Moreover, many may not win meaningful support from European allies. As a result, they effectively give the United States and its allies a "mission impossible."

At some point this year the President will almost have to either restore sanctions and end U.S. participation in the agreement or succeed in forging some kind of acceptable compromise that will place additional limits on Iran.

The meeting between President Trump and President Macron can all too easily slip into one that either dodges the key issues that both countries need to address in dealing with Syria and Iran, or help cement the differences between the U.S. and European positions.

If there is any lesson that should come out of more than half a decade of war in Syria, it is that any use of force must be strong enough to be decisive.

The purpose of war is to shape a peace that serves the lasting strategic objectives of the nation that fights it. We have not been able to focus on this goal in any of our “wars.”