The challenge for Washington is no longer whether it possesses sufficient capabilities, but whether the political system can align those capabilities behind a coherent long-term priority.
But with a maniacal president who cannot tolerate even a simple difference of opinion, a country that dares not to comply with his demands turns into an enemy that must be eliminated.
[M]ore American troops will complicate US relations with its NATO ally Turkey and the bloody situation with Syria divided between rebel factions battling for dominance.