President Trump has no lines in the sand

Past President Obama vocally drew a red line somewhere in the Syrian desert, which, he said, would lead to U.S. intervention if crossed by Syrian government forces defending President Assad in a civil war.

Syrian forces crossed that like and then went farther in their war against rebels, taking town after town, often with assistance from Russian air and ground forces.

President Obama did nothing, except to claim he never mentioned a red line.

President Trump is somewhat different. He draws no lines. He simply says to Iran, “You need to stop.” When Iran not only does not stop, but goes farther, American missiles fly.

The Iranian government is not likely to simply say, “Oh, Mr. American President, we apologize. We were wrong.” That government is not likely to leave its expensive proxy forces to fend for themselves. Not right away. But if enough of their leaders continue to look over their shoulders, and if enough see a gray missile near the back window of their Mercedes … Well, that might be something completely different.